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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Michael Owen blasts "uncharacteristic" Liverpool after Man City mauling

Former Liverpool man Michael Owen has hit out at the Reds for their lacklustre performance at Manchester City on Thursday night.

The newly crowned champions were thumped 4-0 by Pep Guardiola's side with Andy Robertson coming in for particular criticism.

Jurgen Klopp watched on as his side shipped three first-half goals before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put through his own net on 66 minutes.

Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring from the spot before Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden got in on the act.

City's second and third goals can be traced back to mistakes made by Liverpool's left-back with Owen highlighting his "no man's land" defending.

Liverpool lost their first game as champions (Laurence Griffiths/NMC/Pool/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

"I think Liverpool have made too many uncharacteristic mistakes," the former striker told Premier League Productions.

"Andrew Robertson has made two of those big mistakes. He runs into no man’s land there [for Sterling’s goal] he’s got to hold his position because that’s where the final pass comes from Phil Foden.

"You watch the third goal [sighs] and he does exactly the same! He charges out when all he needs to do is hold his position, just plug a gap! Watch him now, he just sprints out and leaves a big hole."

Liverpool still have several Premier League records in their sights despite their reverse in Manchester.

Andy Robertson made several errors at the Etihad (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

After the defeat Klopp was asked whether a drop off in performance was to be expected after they were officially crowned champions.

But the German bit back and claimed he was happy with how ghis side approached the game.

"I saw a brilliant attitude, I saw boys who were fighting with all their effort," he said.

"We didn't behave like somebody who became champions a week ago. So like, it's not important. It's all good. We lacked fluidity, and that's for sure, and in some situations - 50/50 situations - they were quicker than us in mind."

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