Talking pointsResilient Reds, 'a boxing fight' and see you again soon

Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane struck against Pep Guardiola’s men as the Reds remained a point behind City in the title race after the result at Etihad Stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne's deflected effort had earlier given the hosts the advantage, before Gabriel Jesus scored from close range to restore their lead.

Jürgen Klopp’s side ensured the spoils were shared, though, during a pulsating game in Manchester. Here are five talking points on the action…

Resilient Reds

Liverpool were forced to battle back twice against the league leaders in what was a tough contest for the entirety.

The Reds were looking to gain ground on their top-flight title rivals, though suffered an early setback in the fifth minute.

De Bruyne’s deflected strike landed the first blow but Jota hit back quickly after a well-worked move in the 13th minute. Jesus then put the hosts in front before the half-time interval, as Liverpool conceded in the first half of a game for the first time in 20 matches.

However, the visitors mustered an impressive response following the restart to claim a result that keeps City within touching distance at the top of the standings.

“That was pleasing, how we’ve come back twice from being behind, it shows a lot of character to do that here,” reflected Jordan Henderson. “But we want to do better with the [conceded] goals, of course.”

A vital fightback

Guardiola’s City had previously gone on to secure three points on every occasion they had taken the lead in the top flight this season.

But Liverpool ended that 22-game run courtesy of a second equaliser within a minute of the second half beginning.

It was the 12th draw between the sides in the Premier League era on their 50th meeting and served as a repeat of the Anfield encounter earlier in 2021-22 that concluded with exactly the same scoreline.

Trent and Mo deliver again

Trent Alexander-Arnold moved onto 17 assists for the season thanks to a deft cutback from an Andy Robertson cross.

The full-back provided a moment of magic in the City box, creating Jota’s leveller in the opening period.

His assist now means he has set up at least one goal against all other 19 current Premier League teams.

Mohamed Salah then provided a crucial spark for the Reds as he released Mane less than a minute into the second half with an exquisite outside-of-the-boot pass in behind.

The Egyptian’s inch-perfect through ball increased his record to 39 goal involvements across all competitions this term.

Klopp: It was like a boxing fight

One point separated the two teams ahead of kick-off and it remained the case when the full-time whistle was blown.

Both sides have seven games remaining in the season in their bid to take the 2021-22 Premier League trophy.

“I think we can really describe it like a boxing fight,” Klopp reflected to Sky Sports.

“[If] you put your arms down for a second you can get a massive knock, it can shake a little bit and the next one is coming from the other team.

“I liked a lot of things, I thought we were closer [to Man City] than ever.”

See you in six days...

Let’s do it again, shall we?

A break from Premier League action now follows for Liverpool as they turn their attention to the Champions League in midweek.

The Reds host Benfica at Anfield before another meeting with Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on Saturday.

The two teams proved inseparable at the Etihad, though there must be a winner next weekend in the capital.

Another blockbuster awaits.