This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Manchester City threw everything they could at Liverpool on Sunday, but even the genius of Pep Guardiola could not undo the brilliance of the European champions.
The likes of Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva saw plenty of the ball, having 142 touches between them.
However, despite Silva’s goal late on, the forwards really struggled to penetrate the solid Liverpool defence. Throughout the game, City looked like they lacked a plan B, as their usual free-flowing, threatening nature was constantly restricted by the likes of Virgil van Dijk.
As the game went on it seemed as if Guardiola missed one man who he has not seen play for some time, namely Leroy Sane. The German has been out injured ever since the Community Shield and is expected to return in February.
However, against the Reds, Sane’s absence was almost audible. The 23-year-old is no stranger to a showdown with Liverpool, scoring twice against them in his career so far. Last season, he bagged the winner in what would later turn out to be a title decider, and two seasons ago, he would also score an equaliser in the 4-3 defeat at Anfield.
Over the years, Sane’s pace and skill has played a part in City’s dominance of English football, as he has bagged himself 39 goals and 45 assists. Surely, Guardiola would have been wanted to bring on the winger at some point as he watched his side struggle to dissect their way through Liverpool’s defensive unit.
His speed to get at Liverpool’s tough defence could have been a huge factor in this tie.
Late on, just as Silva made it 3-1 on the 78th minute, Sane could have come on and caused havoc on the left, just as he did in the win at the Etihad in January.
The 21-cap Germany international has been subject to interest from Bayern Munich for many months, with The Athletic reporting most recently that City are drawing up plans to replace him.
However, if this result is anything to go by, his pace, goalscoring prowess, and ruthlessness on the left side cannot be squandered.
Sane brings something different to the table and Guardiola missed him dearly on Sunday.
