Trent Alexander-Arnold got the Reds off to a flying start in the first half as Liverpool looked much better in the early stages.
City equalized with 20 minutes to go, as Julian Alvarez rounded off from close range, which seemed to send the game to penalties. Nothing but Mohamed Salah however, was forced to step over to the spot and clear his penalty to restore the lead before Darwin Nunez got on the scoresheet in stoppage time to seal the win.
It completes Jurgen Klopp’s run of domestic trophies during his time in England, while his side set a marker for the start of the season.
Erling Haaland started for City at King Power Stadium, where he hosted the Community Shield with a focus on Wembley for the 2022 Women’s European Championship final on Sunday. Direct comparisons to Nunez had to wait, when Klopp mentioned his signature on the bench.
Liverpool got off to a flying start, with Thiago and Luis Diaz blocking shots in the opening minutes and Salah causing all sorts of problems on the right wing for Joao Cancelo.
The Reds looked like a side that was further along in their preparation for the season and the reward came with just over 20 minutes played. Salah passed the ball back to Alexander-Arnold, who hit the ball from the inside of the post into the far corner, using a slight deflection of Nathan Ake’s head.
Kevin De Bruyne could have leveled City in minutes, but shot into the side net from a tight angle, while Riyad Mahrez had some tame tries on target as he drifted off his left foot in a distinctive way.
It was a relatively quiet 45 minutes for Haaland, but his chances came inevitably and in the space of about 60 seconds. He shook off Andy Robertson to clear a first shot, which was saved comfortably before the City striker was unable to convert a beautiful cross from Bernardo Silva.
Only a minute into the second half, City had the chance to equalize when Mahrez brought Rodri’s ball down over the top, but a close effort from the winger was pushed right at Adrian.
Nunez was introduced to the Reds just before the hour, to a huge ovation from the Liverpool fans. He was played on target shortly after his foray, but was unable to beat the advancing Ederson.
Darwin Nunez had an eventful cameo from the couch
/ Getty ImagesAnother new signing off the bench, Alvarez, did make it onto the scoresheet when he evened the game. He turned the ball in from close range after an attempt by Phil Foden was saved and although it was initially disallowed for offside, a lengthy VAR review resulted in the goal being awarded.
On that occasion, the VAR City helped, but it would soon do the opposite. Nunez’s header seemed destined for the back of the net, but was blocked by Dias’ arm. The referee waved off Liverpool’s wild pleas for a penalty. Another review followed and finally the spot kick was given, which Salah sent with minimal fuss.
There was no real late attack from City as Liverpool’s afternoon ended with a goal for Nunez. Robertson nodded the ball to the striker and he headed past Ederson from close range.
Haaland had his chance to get on the scoresheet with effectively the final move of the game, but somehow hammering an effort on the crossbar and over from a few yards out, his remorseful laugh summed up a frustrating afternoon for City together.