Manchester City’s 23-match winning run at the Etihad was snapped by Liverpool as the clash between the top two Premier League teams ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s superb strike 10 minutes from time secured a point for the visitors after Erling Haaland’s 50th Premier League goal gave City the lead.
The draw leaves just a one-point difference between the two teams, and Arsenal could potentially take top spot from City with a win at Brentford later on Saturday.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his displeasure at the early kick-off time, following an international break where players from both teams had been in World Cup qualifying action in South America little over 72 hours ago.
It appeared that fatigue was a factor as the anticipated intense gameplay failed to materialize.
The best chances before the break came from City capitalizing on sloppy Liverpool passes from the back.
Alisson Becker was fortunate as Phil Foden’s weak shot missed the target after the Brazilian gifted away possession inside his own box.
Subsequently, the Liverpool goalkeeper was not as fortunate when his next sliced clearance found Nathan Ake, who then passed to Haaland. The Norwegian found the far corner with Alisson getting a hand to his low shot.
Haaland’s 50th Premier League goal in his 48th appearance broke the previous record for the quickest half-century held by Andy Cole in 65 matches.
Alisson made amends by turning behind Foden’s low drive from outside the box that was headed towards the bottom corner.
On the other end, Darwin Nunez was a notable threat for Liverpool, while Mohamed Salah failed to build on his impressive record against City.
Ederson denied Nunez’s first-half header and turned a powerful effort behind at his near post after the break.
City seemed more likely to extend their lead in the second half as Liverpool struggled to contain the speed of Jeremy Doku on the counter-attack.
Despite opportunities, City failed to find the net and were stopped as they were unable to secure a home win for the first time since December 31 last year after Liverpool’s unexpected response 10 minutes from time, allowing Alexander-Arnold to equalize.
City pressed for a winner in eight minutes of added time but were unable to secure the victory.
AFP
