MAHREZ SUBBED OFF AGAINST LIVERPOOL
Algeria international Riyad Mahrez was a starter as his Manchester City side lost out to arch rivals Liverpool in this year’s Community Shield.Mersey side giants Liverpool emerged as the latest Community Shield winners following the 3-1 victory over Liverpool thanks to two late goals.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiolalined up the quartet of Algeria national team star Mahrez, England international Jack Grealish, new signing ErlingHaaland and Kevin De Bruyne in his attack for the Liverpool game. On his part, Liverpool manager Jurgen Kloppstarted Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino as his attacking trio.
There were a lot of attacking talents on show, but it was Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who scored the first goal of the game around the midway point of the first half. His goal gave Liverpool the lead at the half-time break. In a bid to get back into the game, Guardiola made some changes in the second half with Algeria international Mahrez making way for new signing Julian Alvarez on 58 minutes as one of his changes. Klopp also made some changes with new signing Nunez subbed on for Firmino. Alvarez scored the City equaliser on 70 minutes and the game was heading for penalties before Liverpool scored twice in the last seven minutes. Uruguayan striker Nunez forced City defender Ruben Dias into handling the ball in the box with Salah scoring the resulting penalty on 83 minutes to help Liverpool regain the lead. Nunez then scored a header from close range in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal the win.