Aymeric Laporte impresses in defensive show: five things we learned from Liverpool vs Manchester City

Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City: Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold were missed from this high-profile showdown while Aymeric Laporte impressed in City's central defence

Aymeric Laporte pushes Mohamed Salah off the ball (AFP/Getty Images)

Manchester City and Liverpool played out an underwhelming goalless draw at Anfield, in which the most exciting moment was Riyad Mahrez’s awful penalty.

The first half was one of almost no chances and, surprisingly, very little quality. And that pattern continued throughout.

Mahrez might have won it for an impressively well organised City side at the end, but his effort from the spot was blazed over. Here are five things we learned from the game:

City learn from past mistakes

Twice last season Manchester City left Anfield scarred. In the Premier League, they fell behind early on when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struck, and eventually lost 4-3. In the Champions League, they were blown away by Liverpool in 30 unforgiving minutes, and lost 3-0.

It was understandable, then, that they approached this meeting somewhat hesitantly. They appeared less willing to attack Liverpool with reckless abandon, less willing to turn the game into a battle of attrition.

Liverpool, almost inevitably, started on top. That is what they do under Jurgen Klopp: aim for the juggernaut early. They knew, too, that City would not have forgotten their experiences here last season.

There were some early scares but City, commendably, weathered the storm, and that was crucial. They learned from their past mistakes and adapted to the challenge. The result was a less exhilarating game, but a far more welcome outcome for the visitors.

Alexander-Arnold absence hinders Liverpool’s attacking threat

Perhaps with Manchester City’s formidable attackers in mind, and perhaps expecting Leroy Sane to start, Klopp chose to play Joe Gomez at right back and bring in Dejan Lovren at centre back. The result was more defensive solidity, but a clear deficiency going forward in wide areas.

Joe Gomez started at right-back for Liverpool (PA)

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s natural attacking inclination was sacrificed for a player who has played exclusively at centre back this season, and that cautiousness epitomised what was to come.

Both sides appeared afraid of the other’s ability to run away with the game, to the detriment of any spectacle.

Laporte impresses in sturdy display

The attention, inevitably, was on the action – or lack of it – in the final third. But there were a number of notable performances from defensive players.

Aymeric Laporte stood out at the back for City, who defended well as a unit throughout. The Frenchman was an assured and composed presence, traits Pep Guardiola’s side were without when they fell to that heavy defeat in the Champions League last season.

There are signs that an impressive partnership is beginning to form between Laporte and Stones. The latter performed well, too, keeping out Liverpool’s usually irresistible forwards. They will enjoy some rare plaudits on a day when those at the other end of the pitch misfired.

Liverpool can be restricted and frustrated

As in Naples in midweek, Liverpool often appeared frustrated by their inability to cut through City. There was often a look of despondence on the faces of those in red when they found themselves cut off, without a teammate to pick out.

City, clearly, worked extensively during the week on their approach to the game, and their shape off the ball prevented Liverpool from playing with their usual flow.

To do it at Anfield, where Liverpool are often rampant, is even more difficult. Had Mahrez scored his late penalty, City’s gameplan would have been hailed as near perfect.

City still miss Kevin De Bruyne

Even City, who are blessed with a number of quality options in midfield, will feel the absence of a player as influential as Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian’s ability to drive his team forward, to create when nothing seems on, might have made the difference at Anfield. But he is not yet fit, and City were left to rely on others to deputise.

That City very nearly left Anfield with three points without their key player will unnerve their rivals. Guardiola will no doubt be eagerly awaiting his return.