As the second half kicked off, Anfield was bustling with anticipation, but there was an underlying tension in the air.
Liverpool had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, a scoreline that sent the Kop into delirium. But Manchester City—dangerous, relentless, and fresh off Pep Guardiola's halftime tirade—were not out of the game yet.
Guardiola's words had echoed in the City dressing room, firing up his players for what was bound to be an intense 45 minutes.
As City pushed forward, Liverpool braced for the inevitable surge. The visitors had something to prove, and if there was any team capable of clawing back from two goals down at Anfield, it was Manchester City.
The intensity with which City started the second half was immediately apparent. Their pressing was sharper, their movement quicker, and their intent clear: get back into the game as fast as possible.
