sports
February 7, 2026
Liverpool v City is no longer the Premier League’s big show: how have the mighty fallen?
Pep Guardiola has led the way with his tactics for a decade but he has changed course and Arsenal have taken advantage
TL;DR
- The rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool, once a defining feature of the Premier League, is weakening as both clubs enter transitional phases.
- Pep Guardiola's tactical revolution, once groundbreaking, has become the norm, leading to a search for new innovations in football.
- Both City and Liverpool are recrafting their squads and experimenting with tactics, moving away from the peak years where they consistently achieved over 90 points.
- Guardiola's recent tactical shifts, including signing Erling Haaland and potentially more traditional players, seem forced by the modern football calendar and a desire for creative friction.
- Liverpool's squad changes and tactical approach are also unclear, with a focus on technical players and the signing of two center-forwards raising questions about their strategic vision.
- The once-showpiece fixture between these clubs now sees them grappling with uncertainty about their future direction and leadership in the sport.
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