‘Guardiola was right’: Nigel de Jong criticises ‘sleeping’ Liverpool star for making big mistake vs City

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Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has criticised Liverpool’s “sleeping” Trent Alexander-Arnold for “ball-watching”.

Yesterday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium between the two title chasers was played at a ridiculous tempo.

Neither side gave an opposing player the chance to settle on the ball and the margin for error was so slender.

It was yet another high-quality clash between the best two club sides in the country and probably in Europe too.

Following a quick Bernardo Silva free-kick, Kevin de Bruyne gave Pep Guardiola’s side the lead in the fifth minute with a left-footed strike which deflected over an outstretched Alisson and found the back of the net via the post.

Diogo Jota equalised for Jurgen Klopp’s side eight minutes later following a cutback from Alexander-Arnold.

But the England international was at fault for City retaking the lead through Gabriel Jesus, in the 36th minute.

Liverpool’s number 66 who found himself in the left-back position allowed the Brazilian to ghost in behind him and slot the ball passed his compatriot Alisson.

The right-back’s lack of defensive awareness and ability to sniff out the danger was criticised by de Jong.

“I’m telling you, we can say and think whatever we want, but (Guardiola) was right once again,” de Jong said on Matchday Live on Optus Sport.

“This is exactly what he wants, the energy going forward (from Jesus) to block Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the sides as well. Trent was just sleeping… ball-watching completely.”

Guardiola opted to play Jesus on the right-hand side of a front three ahead of the likes of Riyad Mahrez despite having not scored in the Premier League since September.

Alexander-Arnold would have been delighted and relieved that Sadio Mane scored 46 seconds in the second half to bring Liverpool level for the second time.

But his lapse in concentration at the back cost his side, and for all of his attacking and creative prowess, his defensive vulnerabilities were exposed by City.