Manchester City and Liverpool split points

Manchester City maintain 1-point lead over Liverpool

The Premier League title race marches on as Manchester City and Liverpool drew 2-2 in yet another enthralling clash between, arguably, the best two sides in the world.

That being said, Man City may feel like they had an opportunity to win the game in the dying moments on a counter attack that saw Kevin de Bruyne slip the ball to Riyad Mahrez, who scuffed his shot over the bar.

Speaking of De Bruyne, the Belgian put City ahead in the 5th minute after his shot took a deflection, beating the outstretched arm of Allison. This came after Raheem Sterling had a chance to open the score only to see his shot saved by the Liverpool keeper.

Pep Guardiola’s side was all over Liverpool in the opening minutes of the game. But, almost as a precursor of what was to come, Diogo Jota equalized for the visitors only 8 minutes after City went ahead.

Despite dropping the lead, City continued pressing Liverpool high and winning the ball as quickly as they lost it. They forced Liverpool into a number of errors, creating threatening opportunities in the process.

Their efforts paid off in the 35th minute as Gabriel Jesus beat the offside trap on the back side and was on the receiving end of a cross from Joao Cancelo. The Brazilian striker lifted the ball past Allison to give Manchester City the lead.

City went into halftime with the lead as well as the momentum, knowing the game was there for the taking.

It must have been quite the team talk Jurgen Klopp delivered to the Liverpool players, however, as they equalized less than a minute after the second half began.

Sadio Mane scored from a slick pass by Mohamed Salah. Mane got in front of Kyle Walker and finished well past an oncoming Ederson.

In a role reversal, it was Liverpool who were now well on top of City following the goal. However, the Reds were unable to grab the lead despite being the better side to start the second half.

Manchester City thought they regained the lead through Sterling as he broke free on the right before putting the ball in the back of the net. VAR deemed he was offside.

The two sides kept going at one another but with time winding down, the match seemed destined to end in a draw.

In the final minute of stoppage time, City took off on a break with De Bruyne leading the charge. He found Mahrez open on the right and it looked like City were going to win it on the final play of the game. But as mentioned, the Algerian mishit the ball as it went well high, much to the disbelief of those in attendance at the Etihad.

Both managers praised the performance of their respective sides as well as the level of the game.

"“It was an exceptional game of football,” Klopp said. “Two heavyweights, chomping at each other. It’s crazy the intensity. A completely different level. The concentration levels from both teams.“It was a proper football game. If you played for another club, played yesterday, won it, trained today then watching City vs Liverpool. I don’t know what I would have done to watch it but to be a part of it … I cannot stop being surprised. I love it. Let’s keep going and see where we end up.”Source: BBC"

Of the two, Guardiola might have left with a feeling that they let an opportunity slip. He said as much during his post match presser.

"“It was a fantastic game, both teams trying everything to win,” Guardiola told a news conference.“I felt we let them have a life from here but Liverpool are a joy to watch. I know how good they are and there is no doubt about that but I am so proud of my team.“I said head up, not down, announce around the world how well we played. We have to win the seven games or it is over. We will play for that, that’s all.”Source: ESPN"

In the grand scheme of things, the point is probably more beneficial to Manchester City as they keep their lead atop the Premier League. But, as Guardiola said, it leaves Liverpool with plenty of life in the title race.

The pressure will also remain on both as City will likely need to win out to claim the title unless Liverpool drop points between now and the end of the season.

Both teams have to play the second leg of their respective Champions League games midweek. Liverpool host Benfica while Manchester City travel to Spain to take on Atlético de Madrid. The two also meet in the semifinals of the FA Cup. If their league clashes are any indication, we are in store for another memorable match with a spot in the FA Cup final on the line.