Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has already been handed a blueprint for a triumph over Manchester City by Premier League rivals Chelsea. If Klopp wants to record a first victory at the Etihad Stadium since 2015, the German tactician should look no further than how Mauricio Pochettino’s side approached City prior to the international break.
Chelsea were unfortunate not to inflict a third Premier League defeat of the season on Pep Guardiola’s team. A bold performance, attempting to go toe-to-toe with the champions, was Chelsea’s best display in 18 months.
The 4-4 draw will be remembered as a top-flight classic. But managers looking to get one over City should use Chelsea’s performance as the basis for their own system.
Organised, energetic, high-pressing displays often work well against City. Teams who remain compact and adopt a low block are picked apart by City’s clever movement and passing, which would have been at the back of Pochettino’s mind as he plotted a game plan.
Conor Gallagher set the tone for Chelsea, constantly harrying, making interceptions and winning tackles. The England midfielder’s performance was key to the Blues gaining a point by winning the midfield battle.
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Gallagher pressed high and was often alongside Nicolas Jackson in a 4-4-2 shape when Chelsea were out of possession. Quickly snapping into challenges, the 23-year-old had success in winning the ball high up the pitch and would release possession to Jackson, Raheem Sterling or Cole Palmer.
“Chelsea were brave, tried to go for three points,” Pochettino reflected afterwards.
“This is how we approach the games and we want to be protagonists and play high. We will always be brave.”
Gallagher’s ability to win loose balls in midfield allowed Chelsea to quickly counter-attack. Liverpool should adopt the same methods to ensure they leapfrog City in the top-flight table.
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With better players, Liverpool will be able to go one better than Chelsea by using a brave, high-pressing system to topple the treble winners. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch could start as Liverpool’s two No 8s, with Alexis Mac Allister or Endo Wataru in a supporting role.
Klopp may find that using Cody Gakpo as a No 10, like he did in the 3-0 victory over Brentford prior to the international break, may leave his side exposed in midfield. Chelsea found success with a midfield trio that remained close together, with Gallagher and Fernandez positioned ahead of Caicedo.
Liverpool have not won a Premier League fixture at the Etihad since the early months of Klopp’s reign. Adopting an approach similar to Chelsea’s could be the best way to end that barren run.
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