By Sulaimon Jamiu
Manchester City retained their one-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, after a classic against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Once again, nothing was able to separate the best two sides in the country, although the clash lived up to its pre-match billing.
It swung and twisted with boundless quality but in the end yields just a point each, with the destination of the title still hanging in the balance with seven games remaining. The gap between the two remains a solitary point.
City flew out of the blocks to take an early lead through Kevin de Bruyne’s deflected strike but Liverpool were quickly on terms when Diogo Jota turned home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated a magnificent first 45 minutes but failed to convert a host of chances before Gabriel Jesus stole in behind Alexander-Arnold to restore their lead from Joao Cancelo’s cross nine minutes before the break.
Liverpool had been strangely nervous but came out rejuvenated after the re-start, equalising when Sadio Mane celebrated his 30th birthday by scoring from Mohamed Salah’s perfect pass in the 47th minute.
Raheem Sterling had a goal ruled out for offside as both sides pressed for a winner in this superb match, with City substitute Riyad Mahrez wasting the ultimate chance to win it in the dying seconds as he lifted his finish over the top.
The two sides drew 2-2 at Anfield in October in their last meeting in the Premier League
Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola may regret their failure to turn first-half superiority into a more meaningful advantage but they will not be wholly dissatisfied with the outcome.
There will certainly be no dissatisfaction with City’s level of performance, which was outstanding apart from a sloppy first 15 minutes at the start of the second half, during which Liverpool equalised and the reigning Premier League champions were on the back foot.
City’s supporters seemed happy enough with the final outcome, clearly living on their nerves in the closing stages knowing Liverpool’s threat and their capacity to strike at any time.
De Bruyne was at his imperious best, although Sterling struggled against his former club, his day summed up when arguably his most composed piece of play in a frenetic afternoon saw a low finish past Alisson ruled out for offside, while Liverpool’s keeper also denied him in the opening moments of the game.
City’s advantage at the top of the table is just that one point but knowing how formidable Liverpool’s challenge can be, there are feelers that Guardiola will settle for it with only seven games left and a fixture list that looks manageable.
The Spanish gaffer would have preferred the victory that would have opened up a crucial gap but City have survived their toughest fixture of the season against their most dangerous opponents largely unscathed.
