Liverpool may have used Trent Alexander-Arnold's 'it means more' comments as fuel against Manchester City this weekend - but the Blues squad insist the pre-match row played little part in their preparations at Anfield.
21.02.2024 - 07:47 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji was pleased to see his team show the right response against Brentford after the Chelsea setback at the weekend.
While Liverpool and Arsenal both won comfortably on Saturday, City were held to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium against Mauricio Pochettino's side. Rodri's deflected strike late on cancelled out Raheem Sterling's first-half effort.
Tuesday night's encounter with the Bees was significant for Pep Guardiola's side as it represented the Blues' game in hand over Arsenal and Liverpool, albeit the Reds play again on Wednesday night vs Luton Town. City needed to be patient against Thomas Frank's team and this eventually paid off for them.
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A slip at the back allowed Erling Haaland the opportunity to break through on goal and he made no mistake with only the 'keeper to beat. The victory sends City to within a point of leaders Liverpool and above Arsenal into second.
After the match, Akanji told the press how important it was for the Blues to gain a positive reaction this midweek. "Yeah [important to win], especially after the game on the weekend," he explained.
"We knew we had to show a reaction and I think we did that today. We have to keep working hard and improve from game to game."
Only 13 games now remain between the Blues and the end of the season. There is likely to be plenty more twists and turns to come between now and May, especially considering City have to play both title contenders before the season ends.
Liverpool may have used Trent Alexander-Arnold's 'it means more' comments as fuel against Manchester City this weekend - but the Blues squad insist the pre-match row played little part in their preparations at Anfield.
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