‘Mourinho was slaughtered but got a point… am I going mad?’ – Joey Barton hits out at praise for Man City display at Anfield

1 Guardiola has not won at Anfield in his career

Joey Barton says he cannot understand the positive reaction to Manchester City’s display against Liverpool.

City lost their unbeaten Premier League record in a thrilling match at Anfield on Sunday, going down 4-3, but earned plenty of plaudits for their attacking performance.

Barton, though, insists only the result matters and is amazed by the different reactions to Manchester United’s goalless draw at Anfield earlier in the season and City’s defeat against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Jose Mourinho was widely criticised for his defensive approach against Liverpool in October’s clash on Merseyside, despite United picking up a point.

“Mourinho comes to Anfield, parks the bus and gets absolutely slaughtered,” said Barton.

“Then Guardiola goes there, passes out from the back, they are getting beat 4-1 but eventually score two consolations to get it back to 4-3 and everybody is praising them, going ‘oh, brilliant for City, they tried to play, they never parked the bus’.

“I’m thinking ‘have I gone mad here or is Man United’s 0-0 draw and showing no adventure the better result?’

“In the modern era is it better to draw 0-0 and park the bus and be negative or is it better to be more offensive and get beat 4-3 because you get two late consolation goals?

“Maybe I’m a dying breed.”