Premier League: The Match That Defined The Season

Liverpool and Manchester City’s first Premier League match defined the title race. A closer look at both clubs reveals why.

In reviewing the key matches that have defined both Liverpool and Manchester City’s season, their match at Anfield in November was etched like a tattoo into the tapestries of both clubs. It can be argued that this was the pivotal match of the Premier League.

It could be argued that the match between City and the Reds on January 3rd, 2019 defined both club’s campaigns last season. Liverpool came into the match on an incredible run. They had not lost in league play through the first 20 matches. LFC had a six-point lead over Tottenham and seven over their opponents in sky blue.

Liverpool’s goal differential was stunning at +40 as they had only given up eight goals leading up to their first match in 2019. Manchester City, third in the table, had a goal differential of an impressive +38 as they were leading the league in nearly every offensive category.

The result was pivotal as a victory by the Reds could have scuttled City’s hopes at defending their Premier League title. Still, more importantly, it would have given Jurgen Klopp‘s squad a nine-point lead in their quest for their first league title in 29 years.