Johnny Nicholson: Brilliant Anfield bout makes up for a weekend of false VAR gods

While Salah provides the KO in Liverpool's boxing match with City, Steven Gerrard looks like a man who may need to soon throw in the towel 

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp appeals after Mohamed Salah is fouled leading to his sending off during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Liverpool find their form again

Much of the first half between Liverpool and Manchester City was like two boxers connecting with decent jabs but unable to really deliver a knockout blow. City were better defensively than offensively, but the game never really got going. Liverpool condensed the play in the middle of the pitch. Erling Haaalnd had three half chances, one of which - a header - probably should’ve been scored. But the second half was in a different class. City had a goal chalked off for a Haaland foul, much to Pep Guardiola’s chagrin. Diogo Jota should’ve scored with a header. Alisson saved well from Haaland. The gloves were now off as the two sides began to knock seven shades out of each other. This is the sort of football which justifies the Premier League hype, superior entertainment to any other game played all weekend. Indeed, it served to highlight just what drab fare is served up by so many games. City pressed hard, holding a lot of possession but Liverpool were dangerous on the break. When Alisson booted it long to Mo Salah, Cancelo over-committed, Salah rolled him and ran in on goal to score. This was delicious long ball soccer. From then on, Liverpool played a sort of rope-a-dope strategy, hitting City on the counterattack. Joe Gomez was immense. Jurgen Klopp was sent off for getting some serious radge on. Pushing and shoving broke out, fouls were made but not given and everyone went crazy. It was all brilliant entertainment and left us all with a lot to talk about. Virgil Van Dijk had a great game, Andy Robertson likewise and Haaland was kept in check as well as possible. And at the end of it all, Liverpool were still 10 points behind City. The real winners were Arsenal whose victory at Leeds left them four points clear at the top of the league.