Community Shield: Liverpool thrash drab Man City as Darwin outshines Haaland

In a battle that saw two of the Premier League’s biggest signings this season thrust into action, the Uruguayan was triumphant

Liverpool outplayed Manchester City for large spells and never seemed out of control in the game.

The Reds’ better preparation was glaring in how the game proceeded as they looked sharper, livelier and more desirous of going home with the shield.

Regular Manchester City heroes, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez hardly came to the party with Liverpool looking better prepared.

Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool their deserved opener in the 21st minute after a Mo Salah assist was met with a swing shot. Nathan Ake’s head further helped slightly alter the direction of Arnold’s effort and leave Ederson stranded.

Julian Alvarez grabbed Man City’s equaliser in the 70th minute after Adrian fumbled a Phil Foden effort. The VAR had to come to City’s assistance but Liverpool soon grabbed the second when Darwin Nunez’s header was met by Ruben Dias’ flailing hand.

The VAR once again had to come to the rescue as the referee pointed to the spot after seeing replays. Salah scored the resulting penalty in the 83rd minute.

Darwin grabbed a third in the 94th to take the game behind Man City and win the battle of the new entrants on the evening.

How did Haaland fare?

The Norwegian joined Man City in a £65m deal but looked nothing close to that valuation at the King’s Power Stadium on Saturday.

It’s however just his second game for the Citizens and his first competitive game. He looked far off the man City spent good money to prise from Dortmund but it’s early days to panic about his game.

He also missed a sitter late in the game and would struggle with the ghosts of that showing.

Liverpool lay down the marker; Man City struggle for gloss

The Reds went straight into business and showed they may be as devastating as they were last season.

Their defense looked compact and organised while their midfield continued to be the lynchpin. It’s still early days, however, as they face a long season ahead.

Man City failed to muster any genius moments in the game, and looked to be missing important players. The exit of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus was felt today but Guardiola is not new to such situations and it won’t be surprising to see a completely energised Man City in the next one week.