City's 70-Year Anfield Hex: A Rare 1981 Triumph

Manchester City's 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Boxing Day 1981 marked a rare triumph at Anfield, ending a 25-year drought. This encounter occurred when Liverpool, a dominant force, unusually sat twelfth in Division One, while City were in strong form. Asa Hartford opened the scoring for City, who held a 1-0 lead at halftime. Despite Liverpool's efforts, City secured the win with further goals, including one deflected in off goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar. This defeat prompted significant reflection within Liverpool's camp. Manager Bob Paisley and his staff initiated major squad changes, a period described as the 'night of the long knives.' This revitalization led Liverpool to an eventual league and League Cup double that season. For City, the victory temporarily lifted them to fourth place, with hopes of a title challenge. However, injuries and a subsequent decline saw them finish tenth. The 1981 game is seen as a watershed moment for Liverpool, sparking a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes. The fixture's historical weight is underscored by Liverpool's long-standing dominance, though players acknowledge a psychological edge that City may have carried previously.