Liverpool and Manchester City served up another pulsating Premier League encounter at Anfield, but for the second time in three seasons, neither side could claim bragging rights as the match finished 1-1. This result continues a remarkable trend in this fixture, with four of the last six meetings between these two giants ending level.
The opening goal followed a familiar pattern, with City capitalizing on a set-piece. John Stones headed home from a Kevin De Bruyne corner to give the visitors a deserved lead at the break. However, the second half saw a dramatic turnaround. A horrendous error from Nathan Ake gifted Liverpool a penalty, which Alexis Mac Allister coolly converted.
The introduction of Caoimhin Kelleher in goal for City, after Ederson’s injury, seemed to galvanize Liverpool. They piled on the pressure, with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez both squandering good opportunities. City, however, weren’t finished. Phil Foden and Kamal Doku rattled the woodwork against the run of play, reminding Liverpool they were still in the contest.
Ultimately, a share of the spoils was a fair reflection of the second half, but Jurgen Klopp’s men might feel aggrieved they weren’t awarded another penalty late on. Doku’s challenge on Mac Allister looked dangerous, but Oliver waved away appeals.
The result keeps the Premier League title race wide open. Arsenal, who won 2-1 against Brentford yesterday, maintain their top spot, with Liverpool just behind on goal difference. City sit a further point back, but with both teams still facing each other once more this season, the drama is far from over.
