Something had to give in an epic duel of such relentless intensity that it can even tire out a mere observer. When such unyielding pressure is applied, eventually even the strongest break. It turned out it was Manchester City and Pep Guardiola who cracked. Or, to use a boxing analogy, let down their guard.
And, like the prize fighter they are, Liverpool didn’t need asking twice. They battered City all over the ring in an extraordinary first half. Of course, City have their own qualities and a deep reserve of pride, which they summoned to rise from a series of KOs, to come again, despite the bruising they had incurred.