At times it can feel that the culture of ‘the ends justifying the means’ is suffocating football. Teams can do whatever it takes tactically to win a game.
Premier League teams — even those with talented players — seem to be increasingly sitting back and trying to nick a goal rather than create a winning spectacle.
Which is why we should all enjoy Manchester City’s visit to Anfield on Sunday and relish the two coaches in charge. Both have had their critics defensively.
Pep Guardiola was questioned last year when his goalkeeper and defence was a weak link.