Aymeric Laporte, who was the eye of the game against Southampton, has reportedly shared an image of the bloody injury he suffered against the Saints. Following his injury, he later went on to score a goal, equalising the score at 1-1 at the St Mary’s stadium, ending City’s 12 game winning streak.
Well thanks for the souvenir lol pic.twitter.com/okzDpDytXt
— Aymeric Laporte (@Laporte) January 22, 2022
What Happened?
The referee Simon Hooper displayed his yellow card for this gruesome challenge made by Stuart Armstrong.
The Scotland midfielder survived as his challenge was deemed ‘lacking intensity’ and a ‘glancing blow’ by VAR.
However, post-game, Aymeric, the Spanish defender posted on his twitter and shared the nasty picture.
The 27-year-old, added:Â “Well thanks for the souvenir lol”.
Meanwhile, fans were quick to take to twitter on the issue on whether Armstrong should have been sent off. Some called his challenge a ‘clear’ sending-off and one said: “Will never understand how he didn’t get a red.”
But others felt it was just a misjudged tackle without any harsh intent, but the injury looked worse than it actually was.
Flow of the game
Kyle Walker-Peters with an outstanding goal, put the Saints in front after a great team move and finish but Laporte’s header had Guardiola’s side levelled in the second half. City struck the post twice in the later second half but could not find a winner.
The visitors were looking loose and did not play with much penetration. However, Raheem Sterling should have buried a cross smashing at him, but was denied by the solid defending of Fraser Forster.
Can Liverpool close in?
City were frustrated, having dropped points and narrowed the lead down.Their lead was cut down to 12 points. It would be quite challenging for Liverpool, who rank second on the Premier League table, to challenge the title leaders for the trophy.
But we can see a close finish to the title race, as Jurgen Klopp’s team do have two games in hand.
Liverpool, after their 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace, are bridging the gap between City. Without Mo Salah and Sadio Mane out for AFCON, Liverpool were expected to struggle. However, having two of their games postponed due to COVID cases in the squad, they will look to return back in full swing.
Pep’s agenda would be to hold their position as firm as they can, as they have Kevin De Bruyne firing again.
With the absence of number 9, City have managed so far, but can this come back and hurt them right in the end of the season? Gabriel Jesus hasn’t really found his footing and playing Phil Foden as a False 9, does not seem to be working. Pep will surely want to stay top as the season finale awaits.
