Manchester City – Liverpool: City’s Elite Attacking Quality Eliminates Liverpool (4-0)

Liverpool showed some promise in the final third in the early stages of this game, but in the end it was City who would prove lethal in attack. Their 3-2-4-1 attacking shape would eventually gain control of this game, setting the platform for the likes of Cherki, Haaland, and others to expose a disorganized Liverpool defensive shape.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Manchester City’s last game before the international break resulted in them lifting the EFL Cup after a comfortable 2-0 win over Arsenal. Liverpool meanwhile continue to experience a difficult season, with their latest defeat coming against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out. With their Premier League seasons not quite going to plan, the FA Cup represented an opportunity for both of these sides to bring an extra spark to their season.

Pep Guardiola lined his side up in a 4-2-3-1 shape for this FA Cup quarter final game, with a back four of Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guéhi, and Nico O’Reilly. Rodri and Bernardo Silva formed a double pivot, while Rayan Cherki started in the number ten role ahead of them. Antoine Semenyo and Jérémy Doku then flanked striker Erling Haaland.

Arne Slot meanwhile opted for a 4-2-2-2 system, with Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and . . .