Manchester City avoided furious Liverpool fans by taking a different route into Anfield ahead of their showdown on Sunday afternoon. The team bus travelled down Anfield Road before entering through a rear access point, bypassing the main entrance where thousands of Reds supporters had gathered.
Hostile welcome anticipated
City returned to the pitch for the first time since an independent commission ruled they had "clearly intended to circumvent Premier League rules" by inflating revenue and concealing costs through a series of "sham" commercial deals spanning a nine-season period. The Etihad outfit have already lodged an appeal against the decision and insisted in a statement that the commission's verdict contained "clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe".
Enzo Maresca and his squad were anticipated to face a frosty reception when they arrived at Anfield, but they actually succeeded in dodging many of the thousands of Reds fans gathered for their entrance by choosing a different route.
Rear entrance strategy
Instead of using the standard main entrance for team coaches, City appeared to travel down Anfield Road before entering through a rear access point. The two buses entered via Arkles Lane flanked by police outriders - there were some home supporters gathered, and the coaches were met with chants of "cheats".
However, the majority of Liverpool fans had gathered outside the Anfield Road corner of the ground hoping to ambush the City bus, but the operation had hoodwinked most of them. According to reports, thousands had gathered to greet the bus - some even climbing onto porches and railings.
Players' reaction
City centre-back Marc Guehi admitted they were expecting a hostile welcome ahead of kick-off: "It's always a hot atmosphere [at Anfield] so it's no different from any other game. Everyone is leadership. Everyone's got a big part to play and the togetherness of the team will show."
He added: "The manager's right, there's always room to improve. I think we've been doing okay and hopefully we can carry that on!"
