Liverpool Criticized After Heavy Defeat to Manchester City

Liverpool suffered a damaging 3-0 loss to Manchester City, drawing harsh criticism from Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Roy Keane after a first-half collapse that could derail their Premier League title ambitions.

Liverpool’s Defensive Struggles Exposed Early

Liverpool endured a nightmare start at the Etihad as Manchester City seized control within the opening minutes. A miscommunication between Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate left the Reds’ defense exposed, allowing Jeremy Doku to break through. The rapid winger forced Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili into conceding a controversial penalty, but remarkably, Erling Haaland’s spot-kick was saved. However, Haaland made amends just minutes later, rising above Konate to head City into the lead.

Manchester City Dominate as Pressure Builds on Liverpool

City continued to dominate, taking advantage of Liverpool’s disjointed shape and lack of cohesion. The Reds struggled to gain any foothold, with Van Dijk’s equalizer being disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Just before halftime, Liverpool’s difficulties deepened when Nico Gonzalez’s speculative shot deflected off Van Dijk’s outstretched leg, doubling City’s lead and leaving the visitors visibly frustrated.

Sky Sports Pundits Slam Liverpool’s Performance

The post-match analysis offered little sympathy for Liverpool. Gary Neville did not mince words, stating, “Liverpool’s legs are gone. They cannot get out. It is so, so poor. Van Dijk just lets it hit him. Really strange.” Neville described Liverpool as “really worrying” and “asking to be beaten,” insisting the team lacked the energy and mentality needed at this level.

Roy Keane was even more direct, labeling Liverpool “dreadful” and insisting that the team had little cause for complaint over the contentious VAR decision. “Robertson has to come out quicker. He is in line with the ball. The rules are clear,” Keane added, highlighting individual errors that compounded Liverpool’s collective issues.

Liverpool Fail to Respond as Doku Seals the Result

Liverpool manager Arne Slot sought to inspire a comeback with second-half changes, introducing Cody Gakpo. The Dutch forward squandered a key opportunity, blazing over the bar when well-placed. City responded clinically—Doku, outstanding throughout, skipped past Konate and curled a brilliant shot into the far corner, putting the contest beyond Liverpool’s reach.

Title Hopes Fade as Liverpool Slide Down the Table

This defeat leaves Liverpool below Manchester United on goals scored, and eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal heading into the international break. Touted as pre-season title favorites, Liverpool’s inconsistent form and defensive frailties have seen them slip from contention. The pressure is mounting on new signings and manager Arne Slot, as fans demand a swift turnaround.

What’s Next for the Reds?

Liverpool will return to Anfield after the break to host an improved Nottingham Forest side under Sean Dyche. With their current form in question, a victory is far from guaranteed as the Reds seek to reignite their season. For more news and comprehensive coverage of Premier League action, visit for more news.

Opinion: Can Liverpool Recover?

Liverpool’s defeat at Manchester City was as much about attitude as performance. The lack of intensity, defensive errors, and failure to respond under pressure all point to deeper problems. Unless the Reds rediscover their energy and discipline, their Premier League campaign could slip away before the new year. The upcoming fixtures offer a chance for redemption, but only if Liverpool address their glaring issues on and off the pitch.