Keown: Key weakness Guardiola needs to fix before facing Liverpool | OneFootball

Man City Must Neutralise Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk to Triumph

Manchester City face a stern challenge as they travel to Anfield on Sunday, seeking to end their six-match winless run across all competitions. As Martin Keown emphasised in his Daily Mail piece, City’s primary concern will be nullifying Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, whose exceptional ability to deliver long, diagonal balls to Mohamed Salah has proved a devastating weapon for Arne Slot’s team.

Keown highlights how van Dijk exploited Real Madrid’s defensive structure midweek, making the Spanish giants appear “very ordinary.” His pinpoint passing bypasses midfield congestion, connecting directly with Salah, who thrives in one-on-one situations. Guardiola’s tactical nous will be tested as City aim to cut off this potent supply line.

Liverpool’s Midfield Revolution

Another area of intrigue lies in Liverpool’s midfield. Keown rightly praises the influence of Ryan Gravenberch, who has emerged as a key player under Slot. Sitting at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, Gravenberch combines physical presence with exceptional ball control, something City have sorely missed during Rodri’s absence.

Flanking him are Curtis Jones, enjoying the finest form of his young career, and Alexis Mac Allister, who has brought creativity and dynamism to Liverpool’s engine room. Together, they form a trio capable of controlling the game against any opponent. For City to regain momentum, they will need to disrupt this balance and force Liverpool to adjust their rhythm.

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Defensive Fragility Haunts City

Keown’s analysis sheds light on City’s defensive struggles, particularly their unwanted record of conceding at least two goals in six consecutive matches — a feat last seen in 1963. Guardiola, known for his meticulous preparation, will be embarrassed by such a glaring statistic, especially with his side trailing Liverpool by eight points in the Premier League table.

Errors from typically reliable players like Ederson have compounded City’s woes. The goalkeeper’s uncharacteristic mistakes were evident in their 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, where City squandered a commanding lead. Keown asserts that Guardiola’s key players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, and Kyle Walker, must step up to provide the leadership and quality needed to steady the ship.

Guardiola’s Tactical Dilemma

To combat Liverpool’s high-intensity style, Keown suggests that City adopt a bold approach, pressing aggressively and prioritising possession. He proposes utilising Bernardo Silva in a deeper role, given his technical proficiency and ability to dictate tempo. This aligns with Guardiola’s philosophy of Total Football, demanding collective effort and adaptability from his players.

Keown’s insight into Guardiola’s mindset is particularly striking: “Managers learn more about their players when they are losing rather than when they are winning.” This match represents more than a chance to end a poor run — it is an opportunity for Guardiola to rally his team, restore confidence, and reignite their title challenge.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will take great satisfaction from Martin Keown’s appraisal of their team’s progress under Arne Slot. The Dutchman has seamlessly transitioned from Jurgen Klopp’s legacy, building a team that balances defensive solidity with attacking flair. For supporters, the emphasis on Virgil van Dijk as a key player is no surprise. His ability to dictate play from deep has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success this season, particularly in matches like the one against Real Madrid.

Ryan Gravenberch’s rise has also delighted fans, as his performances highlight Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under Slot. Gravenberch offers qualities that Liverpool supporters long felt were missing from their midfield — composure, vision, and the ability to shield the defence. His partnership with Jones and Mac Allister looks like a midfield built to dominate for years to come.

On the other hand, City’s vulnerability adds an extra layer of anticipation to this clash. Liverpool supporters will relish the prospect of exploiting a fragile defence, particularly with Mohamed Salah in such fine form. While Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the best tacticians in the game, Liverpool’s intensity at Anfield could prove too much for a City side low on confidence. For Liverpool fans, this match is not just about three points but about asserting dominance over a direct rival and taking another step closer to Premier League glory.