Opinion: Manchester City’s actions have stained famed rivalry with Liverpool

After Manchester City was found guilty of committing 114 breaches of financial rules between 2009/10 and 2017/18, their first match following the ruling will be against Liverpool at Anfield. The fixture is steeped in a unique atmosphere of anger and resentment due to the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs, especially in recent years.

Liverpool has fallen short to City by just one point twice, in 2018/19 and 2021, while City edged the Merseyside club by two points in 2013. The clashes between these teams, particularly under Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, have been characterized by intense play, with an average of 3.2 goals per game in the 21 meetings in the Premier League.

The last meeting, a goalless draw in 2018, was the only one without a winner. However, the stakes are now higher due to the guilt of City, potentially tarnishing the legacy of their past successes. Guardiola and Klopp, known for their tactical prowess and mutual respect, have left their marks on the rivalry. City's recent efforts to evade the investigation have only added to the unfairness of the situation.