2024-03-11 16:45:32
The top game of the Premier League ends without a winner. Liverpool FC were closer to three points, but missed several top chances against Manchester City.
The title race in the Premier League is hard to beat in terms of excitement, even after the top duel between Liverpool FC and Manchester City. Both teams drew 1-1 (0-1) on Sunday. This means that Jürgen Klopp’s team is handing over the lead in the table to Arsenal FC, with the same points, who won their home game against Brentford 2-1 on Saturday. City is now third with one point less.
John Stones gave the guests the lead at the sold-out Anfield Road in the first half after a corner (23rd minute). Alexis Mac Allister equalized for Liverpool with a penalty kick (50th). City keeper Ederson had previously brought down Darwin Núñez in the penalty area.
The “Reds” then pressed for victory, but missed their best chances. In particular, the tireless Luis Díaz awarded several top-class players. Shortly before the end, the home team was lucky when Jeremy Doku only hit the post. Referee Michael Oliver did not award a penalty in stoppage time after viewing the video images. Doku hit Mac Allister in the stomach area with his studs, but also played the ball a little.
That’s how the game went
From the start, a game unfolded at a crazy pace at Anfield Road. City dominated the first few minutes. Caoimhín Kelleher in the Liverpool goal was there twice against Julián Álvarez and against Kevin De Bruyne (3rd/8th).
A short time later, Liverpool took the reins of action. Díaz’s goal after an assist from Núñez did not count because the Uruguayan had previously been offside (19′). Then the cold shower for the home team: Stones ran in after a De Bruyne corner and pushed the ball past Kelleher into the net. Liverpool tried to find an answer, but Dominik Szoboszlai and Díaz missed good opportunities before the break (31st/42nd).
As the second half began, the game increasingly became a one-goal affair. Liverpool pressed – and were immediately rewarded. Nathan Aké’s back pass fell short. Núñez splashed in between them and was kicked over by Ederson, who was rushing out of his box. Yellow for the goalkeeper and penalty for Liverpool, which Mac Allister safely converted.
Bitter for City: Ederson was injured during the action and had to go out a short time later. Former Bielefeld Stefan Ortega Moreno came into play for him (56th). Phil Foden then missed the renewed lead for coach Pep Guardiola’s team (58th). Then only Klopp’s team played.
Díaz had two chances to turn the game around within a few seconds, but he couldn’t get the ball into the net (63’/64′). City found itself in more and more trouble. Ortega kept his team in the game several times (66th/71st). Kelleher punched Foden on the other side, the ball bounced onto the crossbar, but was also in the Englishman’s hand (73′). Doku also hit the aluminum and almost turned the game on its head (89′).
But it was also the Belgian who almost cost City the point. A few seconds before the final whistle he hit Mac Allister clearly in the stomach area as he tried to clear the ball. Although he also hit the ball, the reigning champions probably shouldn’t have complained about a penalty whistle (90th + 10). The VAR called in, but there was no penalty. So it remained a draw.