Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City: Title rivals share the spoils in entertaining affair
Alexis MacAllister scored a second-half penalty to help Liverpool draw 1-1 with Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, leaving Arsenal top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool are second with 64 points, trailing Arsenal on goal difference, with 10 games left in a thrilling three-way title race. Holders City, who have gone unbeaten in 21 games across all competitions, are third with 63. Arsenal climbed to the top with a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday.
"Sensational," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. "The second half was the best we ever played against Manchester City, definitely. Exceptional football game. Wow."
"We proved today the first time 100% we are exactly where we should be. We will fight for it and see what we can get."
When John Stones lost his marker to tap in Kevin De Bruyne's corner from close range in the 23rd minute, City appeared to be on their way to manager Pep Guardiola's second victory at Anfield in nine trips. Stones leapt onto the barrier in front of the visitors' fans and shook both fists in delight.
However, the cheers were deafening when Mac Allister scored from the penalty spot past Ederson in the 50th minute, after the keeper sent Darwin Nunez flying through the air with a rash challenge in the box.
Ederson received treatment following the tackle and was replaced by Stefan Ortega a few minutes later.
"We started really well but they are an incredible team," Guardiola said. "We had our moments, they had theirs. We take that point. Both sides we are incredible competitors. I would prefer a win but they prove for many years the quality they have."
Liverpool screamed for a penalty deep into stoppage time following Jeremy Doku's reckless tackle on Mac Allister in the box, with television replays showing Doku's boot striking the Argentine in the chest.
"It was 100% penalty," Klopp said. "They will find an explanation. It was 100% foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card."
"All the people with iPads around me were 'Wow, clear'."
The officials disagreed, and the VAR did not send the referee for a second look after reviewing the decision.
"We had very good chances, unfortunately we couldn't get the winner but overall bittersweet," Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, who frustrated City striker Erling Haaland throughout the afternoon, told Sky Sports.
"Manchester City have been very successful with the titles they have won and every game we have played against each other has been very intense," he added.
"To come away with a point is not a bad situation and we have to focus on what's next. We just have to enjoy the ride."
Liverpool continued to press, boosted by the goal and the return of their talisman Mohamed Salah from injury as a 61st-minute substitute.
Luis Diaz had a couple of great chances in the same minute, launching the ball wide of the goal in a one-on-one with Ortega and then being stopped by Kyle Walker when he appeared to have the goal at his disposal.
Doku hit the post against the run of play in the final few minutes.
The match was likely Guardiola and Klopp's final Premier League meeting, as the latter plans to leave the club at the end of the season. Following the final whistle, Klopp and Guardiola shared a long embrace.
"We wouldn't need a hug to show that (respect)," Guardiola said. "He defends his club, I defend mine. Our history speaks for itself. We still have 10 games to go, many things can happen."
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