What happened...
Manchester City’s hopes of lifting the Premier League 2 title were ended as they were defeated in the final minute by an experienced Liverpool side at Prenton Park.
Paolo Fernandes’ penalty put Simon Davies’ side ahead before Ben Woodburn, one of many Liverpool’s many starters to have featured in the first team this season, grabbed a brace. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts equalised for City before Matthew Virtue scored an injury time winner for the hosts.
City’s first chance came inside ten minutes as Isaac Buckley-Ricketts’ effort from 10 yards flew over the bar but they were soon defending as Marko Grujic forced Angus Gunn into a save before Ben Woodburn struck the bar with the follow-up.
City grabbed the advantage after an eventful opening period when Fernandes tucked home the spot kick earned by the quick feet of Isaac Buckley-Ricketts.
City survived another scare immediately after as Sheyi Ojo struck the post but it was only a short delay before Woodburn’s sweet strike found its way past Gunn.
Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster forced Angus Gunn in to a number of excellent reflex saves in the second half but the England U21 goalkeeper was powerless to stop Woodburn grabbing his second.
In similar fashion to Liverpool’s hasty first half leveller, Buckley-Ricketts got the Blues back on level terms just four minutes later. A few scares followed for both sides but it was Liverpool who found the winner with Virtue tucking into an empty net after a scramble in the box.
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What it means...
The defeat leaves City six points adrift of leaders Everton with just one match left to play.
City’s Premier League 2 side welcome Southampton on Friday 5 May as they end their campaign. Head to the ticket office for more information on how you can support our future at upcoming home matches.
Key moment...
Angus Gunn had made several impressive saves to deny the hosts the lead but as Brewster fell in front of him. he could do little to deny Virtue sealing the three points.
Man of the match...
Isaac Buckley-Ricketts – Always a willing runner, Buckley-Ricketts proved a vital outlet for City on several occasions on a difficult Prenton Park pitch.
The England U19 winger struck up an excellent connection with Fernandes – the Spaniard picking out his runs throughout the match – and could have had a hat-trick on another night.
How they lined up...
Angus Gunn was in City’s goal.
Cameron Humphreys, Tosin Adarabioyo and Charlie Oliver were the three-man defence protecting Gunn’s goal.
Captain Rodney Kongolo sat at the base of the midfield alongside Will Patching. Paolo Fernandes and Denzeil Boadu played further ahead while Isaac Buckley-Ricketts and Aaron Nemane flanked central striker Thierry Ambrose.
