This match created the highest viewership ratings in the Premier League so far this year.
Before this match, the most-watched game was the Manchester Derby between Manchester City and Manchester United, with a local viewership of 4.04 million.
And this title race showdown, the current viewership has already exceeded 5 million, and that's not even counting the overseas audience and the "Happy Beans players" who only care if a goal is scored.
The Liverpool fans sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" to accompany the team through this difficult period.
The Manchester City fans did the same.
Although their team was already 2 goals down, they were completely dominating the game's momentum. If they kept playing like this, it was only a matter of time before they equalized, and even taking the lead was just a matter of time.
"Liverpool is in a bad situation," Gerrard also said, his expression solemn.
If it were him, he would most likely have the team sit back and defend to get through this period.
But Klopp was never a coach who would cower. The best defense is a good offense.
"Klopp should perhaps consider substituting Arnold off."
"The right flank he's defending is a huge liability. So far, we haven't seen his attacking contributions, but Manchester City has already created several threats targeting him."
"If it weren't for Van Dijk, if it weren't for TJ sweeping back and forth, Prince might have already broken through!"
"That's right. Liverpool should be glad they snatched TJ from other clubs. Otherwise, this match would be even more difficult for them."
Gerrard lamented that his old club had gotten lucky, signing TJ at the moment of greatest need.
Otherwise, competing with Manchester City for the Premier League title would be very, very difficult.
"Look! City is attacking again!"
"Oh no, he's going to get a card!"
On the screen, Sané had the ball at the top right corner of the box. He habitually went at Arnold.
To no one's surprise, Arnold was beaten. Van Dijk immediately moved to cover, and Robertson came in from behind for a pincer.
The two of them coordinated to trap Sané from the front and back.
But Sané had learned his lesson this time. He took a touch to dodge a step ahead, and when Robertson crashed into him, Sané immediately took an exaggerated leap into the penalty area.
It turns out it's not just La Liga players who know how to dive.
"You should join the German national diving team."
"Get up quickly! Aren't you ashamed?"
Van Dijk and Robertson, without a word, grabbed the rolling Sané from the box as if picking up a little chick.
When Sané saw that the referee didn't point to the penalty spot, he dropped the act, got up, and forcefully pushed Van Dijk away, cursing under his breath.
The referee showed a yellow card, but thankfully, it wasn't a penalty.
"Watch your actions, gentlemen."
"We will, but this kid shouldn't be here. He should be in Hollywood. That's his battlefield."
Robertson knew a card was inevitable but was still taunting Sané.
"If you've got the guts, then just shoot, you disgraceful actor," Robertson said with contempt.
Sané gritted his teeth.
A free kick from about 20 meters from the goal.
This was a very dangerous spot.
Prince personally stepped up to take it.
As expected, he once again used the unpredictable knuckleball he had shown in Blue Lock.
The ball floated in the air, swaying from side to side. Alisson couldn't judge its final landing spot at all. He gambled and dived to the right, but the ball flew into the goal from the other side.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!"
The Etihad Stadium instantly erupted like a volcano.
The Manchester City fans, who had been quiet for a long time, shouted, celebrated, and roared...
The match had reached the 33rd minute.
The home team, Manchester City, had pulled one back.
The Liverpool fans in the stands all held their heads and sighed.
After scoring, Prince didn't celebrate. He immediately ran into the goal, picked up the ball, and ran back to the center circle.
The entire Man City team followed, quickly lining up, waiting for Liverpool to kick off.
The referee also came over to hurry them.
Tendou didn't pay it much mind. He risked a yellow card from the referee to delay time, while also not forgetting to remind his little brother Arnold not to take the conceded goal to heart.
"Don't worry about it. We're still in the lead. If we win, I'll treat you to dinner."
"I'm treating you, TJ!" Arnold glared.
This damn TJ, why is he talking to me like he's the boss?
My annual salary is higher than yours!
Having pulled one back, Manchester City did not stop. Their attacks became even more ferocious.
Tendou found an opportunity, coordinated with his teammates in the midfield to win the ball, turned and sprinted, but was brought down by a Man City player just as he crossed the halfway line.
But Fernandinho also paid a heavy price.
Tendou patted his butt and stood up as if nothing had happened.
But Fernandinho, who had made the slide tackle, was clutching his right foot and rolling on the ground, his face contorted in pain.
The Man City players' eyes went wide.
Isn't TJ the one who got tackled?
Why is our guy the one rolling on the ground?
The Liverpool players were already used to it. They would also play little games like arm wrestling in training.
So they knew very well that Tendou's body, which didn't look particularly strong, contained terrifying power.
Manchester City was forced to make a substitution. David Silva came on.
The referee also didn't forget to give him a "yellow sapphire card."
The unexpected injury cooled down the intense match a little.
Neither side scored after that, and the first half ended.
With a score of 2:1, the two teams entered the players' tunnel.
The 20,000 Liverpool fans in the stands breathed a sigh of relief.
"...What a thrilling first half. After Man City scored, their momentum was unstoppable. I thought for a moment they would equalize before halftime."
"But one thing is for sure: this title race showdown is not over yet!"
"Let's take a 15-minute break. The second half will be even more exciting!"
The host wiped away his sweat and turned to look at Gerrard.
"Steven, what are your thoughts on the second half?"
Gerrard, like the Liverpool fans, let out a long breath. He said, "Manchester City's attack is very strong. Guardiola's transformation of Manchester City has been a success."
"They won't make too many adjustments in the second half. They already controlled the situation in the first half. If their luck had been a little better, the score would have been 2:2."
"But it's not like Liverpool has no hope of getting away with a result. The destructive power of TJ and the trident is definitely among the strongest in Europe. They just need one chance, one counter-attack, and they can kill the game."
"Especially TJ. His contribution on both offense and defense has been huge. He is our biggest hero for the halftime lead!"
The host also smiled. "That's right. His performance has been a pleasant surprise. He and Julian are both only 17, not even 18 yet, but they are constantly raising people's perceptions of 17-year-old players."
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"