Liverpool smashed 3-0 Manchester City in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Anfield on Wednesday evening, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Many believed the highly anticipated all-English Champions League affair would have lots of goals in it and it was the Reds who got a fast start.

It was Liverpool’s in-form player Mohamed Salah who began the scoring with just 12 minutes gone. The Egyptian looked to set up Roberto Firminio but the Brazilian’s shot was parried by Loris Karius. It was Salah who reacted quickest and picked up the loose ball, he steadied himself and smashed the ball into the back of the net.

Liverpool were harrying and hurrying Pep Guardiola’s team all over the pitch and they soon had their second. This time it was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who let rip from 20 yards out, his shot had far too much power for Ederson and rifled the back of the net, 2-0 Liverpool after twenty minutes.

Jurgen Klopp’s team were on fire and they made it 3-0 with just 31 minutes gone. Salah turned provider this time as he disposed Nicolas Otamendi, drove forward and delivered a floated cross to the back post. Sadio Mane rose highest to meet the cross and placed his header into the bottom corner.

Anfield was in dreamland as the home side led 3-0 at the break.

The Citizens needed a big second half and they quickly looked to impose their possession game. The Reds, however, were keeping their shape well and proving to be difficult to break down.

There were then worrying signs for Liverpool as Salah was substituted after taking a knock.

Try as they might, City could not get the vital away goal. Klopp’s men got the job done in the first half and will take a 3-0 aggregate advantage into next week’s second leg.

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