The 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium between reigning champions Liverpool and Manchester City on Sunday was a fair result, as both teams had their good moments. However, neither team did enough to come out on top.
The first half saw Mohamed Salah give Jurgen Klopp’s team the lead from the penalty spot. Gabriel Jesus then equalised after a superb dummy, before Kevin De Bruyne missed a penalty kick.
The first half was full of action. However, the second period was not so entertaining.
Maybe both teams were tired or neither were willing to risk enough in case of losing the clash. Whatever the reason, the second period failed to live up to the excitement of its predecessor.
In truth, Liverpool have improved in recent games, producing a superb display in the Champions League by spanking Atalanta 5-0 in Bergamo. However, there is a feeling that the heavy schedule this season will mean that the Reds usual frenetic style of play will be highly affected.
The compressed schedule will lead to players picking up more injuries and not being as fit as in previous campaigns. Klopp’s team are regarded as one of the fittest teams in the league.
However, they are only human and their fixture list will be a big burden, especially for a team that plays a style of football that relies on its supreme fitness.
Liverpool seem to be losing players by the week. Of course centre-back Virgil van Dijk will be out for much of the season, young full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also picked up an injury against Manchester City.
The reigning champions will still be expected by many to win the Premier League title. However, without doubt, this season is not going to be a procession and there will be hiccups along the way, as this season’s schedule is tough for every team.