The Premier League summit clash between Liverpool and Manchester City ended in a draw (1-1) at Anfield. The race for the title is crazy between the Reds, the Skyblues… and Arsenal, who become leader.
It was the last duel between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola in the Premier League, and it’s frankly a shame. Because once again, the clash at the top of English football kept all its promises between Liverpool and Manchester City (1-1), who could not decide between themselves at Anfield.
The Skyblues had nevertheless taken the lead at the break, scoring on an intelligently constructed phase of play: a corner. At the near post, Nathan Aké was responsible for pushing back Alexis MacAllister, positioned at the near post, freeing up space for John Stones. Kevin de Bruyne’s pass did the rest, and the English defender was able to open the scoring (0-1, 23rd).
Liverpool revived in the second half
It was deserved, because the control of the game was for Pep Guardiola’s men, while Liverpool, still with a slew of absentees (Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Gravenberch, Matip, Jones…), and a Mohamed Salah too fair to begin with, was too little dangerous.
Everything changed when we returned from the locker room. On a poorly assured back pass from Nathan Aké, Darwin Nunez recovered the ball and was cut down in the open area by Ederson. Double consequence: Mac Allister equalized from the penalty spot (1-1, 50th), and the Brazilian goalkeeper had to leave due to injury. The momentum had completely changed and the entry of Salah increased the fury at Anfield (60th).
The chances flowed in favor of the Reds, with a very poorly finished counterattack by the tireless Luis Diaz on an opening from Salah (63rd), and other opportunities on Ortega’s goal (64th, 65th, 71st, 84th… ). We no longer recognized Man City, and Pep Guardiola even replaced Kevin De Bruyne (69th), to strengthen his midfield with Kovacic, a choice that the Belgian did not seem to appreciate.
And the leader is… Arsenal
The reigning champions could have carried out the hold-up, however, when Jérémy Doku hit the post (89th). And Liverpool believed in a penalty at the end of added time when Doku put his foot on Mac Allister’s chest, but neither Mr. Oliver nor his VAR assistants flinched.
The title race will not be decided in this match, and the final sprint promises to be just as delicious as this meeting. Especially since at the end of this day, the leader is called… Arsenal, who are ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, while City are a small point behind. And on March 31, there will be a Man City-Arsenal match at the Etihad. Looking forward to the sequel!
