Liverpool supporters were left incensed by the actions of Manchester City defender Nathan Ake during Sunday’s highly anticipated clash between the two Premier League giants.
In a pivotal encounter at Anfield that could potentially shape the title race, both teams vied for dominance throughout the match. Manchester City initially asserted control, but Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side soon found their rhythm and posed a significant threat.
However, it was the visitors who managed to break the deadlock, with former Everton player John Stones delivering an unexpected blow. Stones capitalized on a well-rehearsed set-piece routine, orchestrated by the crafty Kevin De Bruyne, to slot the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher at the near post.
The goal highlighted Manchester City’s meticulous preparation, evident in their execution of the training ground routine. Notably, Ake’s strategic positioning played a crucial role in allowing Stones to exploit the space at the near post, effectively blocking Alexis Mac Allister from covering that area of Liverpool’s penalty area.
The maneuver sparked frustration among Liverpool fans, who viewed Ake’s actions as a deliberate obstruction intended to facilitate City’s goal-scoring opportunity.
“Ake setting a screen near post. That’s a hell of a set piece routine,” one City fan commented on X.
It’s fair to say some Liverpool fans weren’t happy about the role Ake played in the goal.
“Nathan Ake clearly blocks Mac Allister!?!? We recently had a goal ruled out against for Endo blocking a man? Where is the consistency in this league!?” one Liverpool fan questioned.
Another complained: “Ake pushing Mac Allister out of the way so Stones can score, but it’s only disallowed when it’s one of our players who does that, so…”