Alexis Mac Allister’s 50th-minute penalty earned Liverpool a draw against Manchester City which ensured Arsenal remained top of the Premier League as neither side could find a winner at Anfield.
John Stones steered in a corner from Kevin De Bruyne, who was substituted during the second half to the midfielder’s apparent dismay, to put City ahead after 23 minutes on a day when both sides knew victory would take them above the Gunners.
Substitute Mohamed Salah teed up Luis Diaz with a golden chance to give Liverpool the lead and Phil Foden hit the woodwork later in the second half, as did Jeremy Doku in added time.
The result moves Liverpool level on points with Arsenal but with a seven-goal inferiority, while City are a point behind.
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Liverpool vs Man City result: No change in Premier League table
As part of a classic three-team race to win the Premier League, this encounter between reigning champions City and the only team to have denied them the title during the last six seasons lived up to its billing.
The visitors looked more assured during the first half and took the lead through Stones as part of a clever corner routine, but Mac Allister showed his usual impressive coolness from the spot after City goalkeeper Ederson brough Darwin Nunez down when the striker pounced on a poor backpass by Nathan Ake.
“That looked like GENIUS from De Bruyne” 🪄😮
John Stones gives Manchester City the lead at Anfield! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/NuaZfBhvYR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2024
Ederson was injured in the incident and replaced after the penalty by Stefan Ortega, who prevented Nunez from scoring.
Home goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher – continuing to deputise for the injured Alisson – thwarted Foden and was relieved to see the crossbar come to his rescue when he punched Ake’s cross against the England midfielder, while Virgil van Dijk was at the centre of a strong defensive display, helping to keep Erling Haaland quiet as City had 10 of the 29 attempts at goal.
Liverpool top scorer Salah made a fanciful-looking penalty claim but Jurgen Klopp’s side had a stronger unsuccessful appeal when Doku appeared to catch Mac Allister with the end of a gripping game seconds away.
“One mighty red roar!” 🔴🔊
Mac Allister converts the penalty and Liverpool are LEVEL! ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/dVpPdUKCT2
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2024
Arsenal will be happiest with the result but the remaining 10 matches of the season each of the contenders have to play promise an enthralling finale to the campaign.
City perhaps have the tougher run-in, welcoming Arsenal in their next league game on March 31 and visiting fifth-placed Tottenham, who thrashed fourth-placed Aston Villa 4-0 earlier on Sunday, on April 20.
Liverpool host Spurs and head to Villa in May, while Arsenal play both of those sides the previous month.
