Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool: Top two draw to maintain pulsating title race

Manchester City retained their slender one-point benefit on the high of the Premier League as they fought out a traditional draw with closest rivals Liverpool at Etihad Stadium.

City flew out of the blocks to take an early lead by Kevin de Bruyne’s deflected strike however Liverpool had been rapidly on phrases when Diogo Jota turned house Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross.

Pep Guardiola’s aspect dominated a powerful first 45 minutes however failed to convert a number of probabilities earlier than Gabriel Jesus stole in behind Alexander-Arnold to restore their lead from Joao Cancelo’s cross 9 minutes earlier than the break.

Liverpool had been surprisingly nervous however got here out rejuvenated after the re-start, equalising when Sadio Mane celebrated his thirtieth birthday by scoring from Mohamed Salah’s good cross within the forty seventh minute.

Raheem Sterling had a purpose dominated out for offside as either side pressed for a winner on this excellent match, with City substitute Riyad Mahrez losing an opportunity to win it within the dying seconds as he lifted his end excessive.

Man City nonetheless in management… simply

Manchester City and supervisor Pep Guardiola could remorse their failure to flip first-half superiority right into a extra significant benefit however they won’t be wholly dissatisfied with the result.

There will definitely be no dissatisfaction with City’s degree of efficiency, which was excellent aside from a sloppy first quarter-hour in the beginning of the second half, throughout which Liverpool equalised and the reigning Premier League champions had been on the again foot.

City’s supporters appeared completely happy sufficient with the ultimate end result, clearly residing on their nerves within the closing levels realizing Liverpool’s menace and their capability to strike at any time.

De Bruyne was at his imperious greatest, though Sterling struggled in opposition to his former membership, his day summed up when arguably his most composed piece of play in a frenetic afternoon noticed a low end previous Alisson dominated out for offside, whereas Liverpool’s keeper additionally denied him within the opening moments of the sport.

City’s benefit on the high of the desk is simply that one level however realizing how formidable Liverpool’s problem might be, you watched Guardiola will accept it with solely seven video games left and a fixture listing that appears manageable.

He would have most well-liked the victory that will have opened up an important hole however City have survived their hardest fixture of the season in opposition to their most harmful opponents largely unscathed.

Liverpool nonetheless within the hunt

This was by no means going to be the so-called title decider, it doesn’t matter what the result. There continues to be the capability for too many potential twists and turns to name it so quickly.

Liverpool got here into the sport in excellent kind, on the again of 10 straight league wins and a membership document eight successive away wins in all competitions.

And but, they began with uncharacteristic unease and hesitancy, particularly on the again the place there have been a number of nervous moments.

Even when they’re off their greatest, Liverpool nonetheless possess ever-present menace and the poacher supreme Jota settled Jurgen Klopp’s aspect with a trademark end for his fifteenth Premier League purpose of the season.

Liverpool had been lucky to be solely 2-1 down at half-time, though City keeper Ederson despatched palpitations round Etihad Stadium when he misplaced management of the ball on his goal-line with Jota in shut attendance, recovering to present nerves of metal and regain his poise.

Klopp clearly delivered some stern messages to his gamers on the break and Liverpool had been rather more themselves within the second half, Mane putting nearly instantly and their urgent sport lastly speeding City into errors.

Liverpool should still be in second place however they’re proper on this title hunt. Like Guardiola, Klopp would have most well-liked all three factors however he won’t be sad with one from this excellent Premier League spectacle.

Player of the match

De BruyneKevin De Bruyne

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