Jamie Carragher has criticized Alexis Mac Allister for their role in John Stones’s first goal for Manchester City against Liverpool, suggesting that the midfielder should have been ‘more aggressive’ at the front post.
Despite Liverpool controlling 53 per cent of the possession, it was City that had the most shots on target in the first half at Anfield – and the pressure resulted in a goal in the 23rd minute as Kevin De Bruyne found Stones with a well-planned corner at Anfield.
The home team seemed unprepared as De Bruyne sent a low cross into the near post and the England and City player took advantage, beating Caoimhin Kelleher from close-range.
Replays indicated that Nathan Ake resisted the challenge of Mac Allister in the build-up to Stones’ goal and Gary Neville briefly questioned whether the goal would be checked on Sky Sports’ commentary before agreeing with referee Michael Oliver’s decision to let it stand.
In the studio at half-time, Carragher praised De Bruyne’s quality from the set-piece but felt Mac Allister could have been stronger to hold off Ake and prevent the goal.
‘I think it’s more about Kevin De Bruyne and the quality [rather than lacklustre Liverpool defending], but I just think Mac Allister has got to be more aggressive at that front post,’ the former Liverpool defender said.
‘It’s obvious that Ake is trying to move him for a reason and it’s just too easy. John Stones, it’s something they will have worked on and credit to Manchester City.
‘As I said, it’s more about Manchester City’s quality than Liverpool, but you can always look at something in the goal.’
Ex-Manchester United captain, meanwhile, praised De Bruyne’s ‘absolutely fantastic’ delivery to find an unmarked Stones in the box.
‘To deliver that right-footer almost like an outswinger, to get that accuracy, the speed. Brilliant ball,’ Keane said.
‘Stones obviously had worked on it. There’s a little bit of movement, a little bit of blocking.
‘The delivery has got to be 100 per cent right and it is.
‘Stones gets a little tap-in, one-touch finish, but the delivery is absolutely fantastic.’
Mac Allister compensated for their brief loss of focus just five minutes into the second half, beating Ederson from the penalty spot after the goalkeeper had brought down Darwin Nunez.
The Brazil shot-stopper injured himself in making the foul and subsequently had to be substituted, with Stefan Ortega coming off in his place between the sticks.
Before the match, an injury-hit Liverpool sat second, knowing they could move two points clear of leaders Arsenal with victory over last year’s treble winners.
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