Hendrick: Van Dijk would be universally recognised as the best if he played for United | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Statement Win Over Manchester City

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City was more than just another fixture—it was a defining moment in the Premier League title race. Arne Slot’s men delivered a performance that combined intensity, tactical nous, and no shortage of quality, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side grasping for solutions. As Trev Downey, Dave Hendrick, and Karl Matchett broke down the game on Post-Match RAW, the overarching theme was clear: Liverpool were superior in every department.

Salah’s Influence and Liverpool’s Tactical Superiority

From the outset, Liverpool imposed themselves physically and tactically. Manchester City, a team known for their precision, looked rattled by the Reds’ relentless pressing. The panel emphasised the contributions of key players, with Karl Matchett pointing out how “Mo Salah was at the heart of everything”. His hold-up play, movement, and ability to make the right decisions in crucial moments were vital.

Dave Hendrick summed up Salah’s form, stating: “Mo Salah is the first player in Premier League history to register 40 goal involvements in two different seasons. He’s also the first in Europe’s top five leagues to be directly involved in 50 goals this season. The debates about him versus Hazard or Bale need to stop. It’s Salah versus Henry and that’s it.”

For all of City’s possession, Liverpool dictated the tempo. Matchett noted, “We were really happy to let City have the ball, knowing that we could outwork them off the ball,” an approach that paid dividends.

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Resilience: Van Dijk and Konaté Stand Tall

Much of the discussion revolved around Liverpool’s defensive structure. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté were colossal at the back, dealing with everything City threw at them. Trev Downey highlighted Konaté’s dominance, saying, “Very few players in world football would have got past him today. He was incredible.”

Van Dijk’s leadership was evident throughout, and Hendrick lauded his reading of the game: “If he played for United under Ferguson or Chelsea under Mourinho, there would be no discussion—he’d be universally recognised as the best defender in Premier League history.”

Photo: IMAGO

Trent’s Struggles and the Doku Conundrum

One area of concern was Jeremy Doku’s repeated success against Trent Alexander-Arnold. Hendrick was blunt: “Doku beat Trent three different times with the same move. You can get beaten once, but it should never happen again in the same game.”

The discussion pointed to Trent’s reluctance to adjust his approach, with Matchett stating, “Robertson changed up his approach against Savinho, keeping him guessing. Trent, on the other hand, was predictable, and Doku knew exactly what to do every time.”

While Salah worked hard to provide defensive support, the lack of adaptability from Alexander-Arnold was a worrying theme.

Arne Slot: New Era For Liverpool

While Jurgen Klopp’s shadow still looms large, Arne Slot has begun to make his mark. The panel acknowledged the Dutchman’s achievements, with Karl Matchett pointing out: “Slot is the first Liverpool manager to do a Premier League double over Pep Guardiola, and he did it in his first attempt.”

His pragmatic approach against City showed a willingness to tailor Liverpool’s tactics to the opposition, something that could prove crucial in the title run-in.

Photo: IMAGO

The Road Ahead: Can Liverpool Go All the Way?

With fixtures against Newcastle, Southampton, and Everton on the horizon, the panel was optimistic about Liverpool’s prospects. Hendrick mapped out the title charge: “If we win our next five games, we’ll be a minimum of 12 points clear with six games left. At that point, it’s all wrapped up.”

The sense of belief is growing among fans and pundits alike. The away end at the Etihad was in full voice, chanting “We’re gonna win the league”, echoing memories of 2019-20.

Liverpool’s victory over Manchester City was a statement of intent. It showcased their ability to grind out wins, dominate physically, and rely on their star players when it matters most. As the season enters its final stretch, this result may well be looked back on as the moment Liverpool seized control of the Premier League title race.