Premier League 2017/18: 5 games that helped Manchester City win the title

#4 Manchester City 5-0 Liverpool (9 September 2017)

The red card for Sadio Mane was the talking point of the fixture.

Liverpool managed to get their revenge for this defeat against City, after handing them their first Premier League defeat of the season and knocking them out of the Champions League a couple of months later. The Reds are now being touted as a strong favorite for the European title.

Considering Jurgen Klopp’s record against the top 6 teams, and also his record against Pep Guardiola’s teams, it was important for City to come out victorious and continue their long-standing undefeated Premier League streak.

If Sterling’s dismissal in the last game was the talking point last time around, Sadio Mane’s high challenge on the Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson left Liverpool outnumbered, allowing City to thrash the Merseyside club 5-0 at Etihad.

It was an even game before the controversial red card, with Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah continuously asking questions of Nicolas Otamendi. But the red card prompted Klopp to take Salah off for an extra body in midfield - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

A couple of more goals later and Roberto Firmino was taken off as well. That was a clear indication that Liverpool had conceded defeat and were already looking forward to the next game.

This was their first high-profile clash of the season and the result surely managed to send an ominous message of intent to their rivals.