AnalysisFive things we learned from Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
It ended honours even at Anfield as Liverpool and Manchester City played out a pulsating 1-1 draw on Sunday.
John Stones gave the visitors a first-half lead, with Alexis Mac Allister levelling for the Reds from the penalty spot after half-time and both sides having chances to win the game in the closing stages.
Here are five things we noticed during an absorbing afternoon in L4…
Klopp and Guardiola serve up another classic
If this is to be the last time Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola meet in English football, then what a way to finish the rivalry.
No winner in the end, but both will be proud of their team’s efforts, as the Premier League’s go-to fixture in recent years served up another compelling contest.
City edged the first half, leading through Stones, but how strong Liverpool came back after the break, as Mac Allister levelled and chances came and went as the Reds stormed forward.
Not quite enough to snatch all three points, but certainly enough to give those lucky enough to be inside Anfield another afternoon to remember.
Mac Allister holds his nerve
For the second game running, Mac Allister found himself with ball in hand, waiting for the chance to net a crucial goal for his team.
Having netted his first Liverpool penalty in Thursday’s Europa League win over Sparta Prague, the Argentinian didn’t have to wait long for his second, converting five minutes into the second half after Darwin Nunez had been brought down by Ederson, the City goalkeeper.
Mac Allister had gone low to the ’keeper’s right in Prague, and he went the same way this time, only higher. The same result, though, as the kick was dispatched with aplomb.
Reward for Mac Allister, who was outstanding as Liverpool fought their way back into the game. Yet again, the big-game player delivered a big-game performance for the Reds.
Academy graduates handle the pressure
Liverpool’s back five here contained three players brought through the Academy, with Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, Conor Bradley at right-back and Jarell Quansah alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
All three stepped up to the plate. Kelleher was rock-solid and super-calm, making a big save from Phil Foden at 1-1, while Bradley’s ability to burst forward was key as the Reds found a foothold in the first half after a difficult start.
Quansah, making only his sixth Premier League start, impressed too, battling with Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and co, and underlining his impressive development once more.
Another proud day for Kirkby.
A game on a knife-edge
Both teams will feel they could have won this in the second half.
Luis Diaz, in particular, had big chances for Liverpool, twice seeing his touch let him down when in good positions and slicing an effort wide from Mohamed Salah’s sublime pass.
Stefan Ortega, on for the injured Ederson, saved from Nunez, Mac Allister and Quansah, but City might have won it in the dying stages as substitute Jeremy Doku’s effort struck the inside of Kelleher’s post and rebounded into the goalkeeper’s grateful arms.
Even in stoppage time, Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure, without ultimately finding a winning goal.
Tighter than tight
With this fixture out of the way, the Premier League title race could hardly be tighter.
One point separates the leading three sides, with Arsenal top on goal difference from Liverpool, and City a point further back in third place.
The Reds play next in the league, hosting Brighton & Hove Albion on March 31, a couple of hours before City entertain Arsenal at Etihad Stadium.
Plenty of twists and turns to come, then.
