Aston Villa vs Man City LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction tonight after Leon Bailey earns draw
Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester City: Leon Bailey responded after Erling Haaland’s opener to deny the champions
Another goal from Erling Haaland wasn’t enough for Manchester City this time as Leon Bailey’s second-half equalizer salvaged a 1-1 draw for Aston Villa against the defending champion in the English Premier League on Saturday.
Haaland took his tally to 10 goals from six games by volleying in a cross from Kevin de Bruyne in the 50th minute but then missed two chances to score a second before Villa struck back.
Bailey met a low cross from Jacob Ramsey and hammered a first-time shot high into the net in the 74th to rescue a valuable point for Villa, whose manager Steven Gerrard was under heavy pressure after three straight league losses.
For City, it’s a second draw to go with four wins in the opening six games, leaving it tied for second place with Tottenham on points. Leader Arsenal has a chance to go four points clear on Sunday if it can maintain its perfect record when it travels to Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola’s City has made a habit of going two goals down before rallying, but this time it was their turn to relinquish the lead.
Haaland had been quiet in the first half but showed his predatory instincts when he came flying in at the far post to meet a pinpoint cross from De Bruyne, jumping high to side-foot the ball in.
The towering Norway striker forced two good saves from Emiliano Martinez as City pushed for a second goal.
That left the visitors open to counterattacks, though, and Ramsey had already squandered one such opportunity with a heavy touch by the time he set up Bailey for the equalizer.
Midfielder Rodri came closest to a winner for City when his shot from outside the area crept narrowly wide in the 87th.
Injury updates from Klopp
Jurgen Klopp gave a few updates on Jordan Henderson and Diogo Jota’s injuries when he spoke to the media on Friday. On Liverpool’s captain Klopp said:
“Nothing yet. We are still waiting for the result [following a hamstring injury] to be honest. It was now only 12.30 or so; I asked before I came here and [we] didn’t get a result yet.
“He is definitely out, he is injured, but the extent I don’t know.”
Klopp added that Jota is likely to be available for Saturday’s trip to Goodison Park though he probably isn’t ready to play a full 90 minutes.
“Diogo probably will be in as well, he trained yesterday with the team first time. He will train today,” said the Liverpool boss.
“I have to make a decision, does it make sense that we involve him already or not? But if, it is the first time we have five attackers – sounds like Christmas!”
Lampard excited for Merseyside derby
Frank Lampard insists his team must match intensity and passion of Evertonians when they face Liverpool is today’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Seaking at his pre-match press conference Lampard explained why the derby is a game like no other.
“I understand what this game means,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to take part in a lot of London derbies, but when you’re talking about a city like Liverpool and what it means to both clubs… The city is so 50/50 and it ramps up the intensity of the game and what it means to the fans.
“It’s my first Merseyside derby at Goodison and I’m excited about that fact.
“We’ll have a home crowd behind us before the game and during the game. We have to perform with the same passion they’re going to turn up with.”
Everton vs Liverpool early team news
Everton forward Neil Maupay is set to make his debut today after he was ineligible for the draw at Leeds United. Idrissa Gueye may also feature after re-signing with the club on deadline day.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure are back in training but not yet available.
For Liverpool, Darwin Nunez is back after a suspension and Diogo Jota has returned to training though may not be up to match fitness.
Jordan Henderson is sidelined with a hamstring issue and the Reds are still waiting to find out the full extent of the injury whilst loan signing Arthur is not expected to receive international clearance until Saturday and wil not play a part in today’s derby.
Jurgen Klopp wants Darwin Nunez to turn his frustration into Liverpool goals
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants Darwin Nunez to use being targeted by opposition defenders to his advantage.
The Reds striker returns to the fold for Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Everton after serving a three-match ban for his red card on his home debut against Crystal Palace.
The former Benfica man lost his cool and headbutted Joachim Andersen, which earned him an instant dismissal in the August 15 clash.
The eyes of Premier League defenders would have lit up when they saw how easily the 23-year-old was triggered and they will surely try to antagonise him.
But Klopp says if the opposition become preoccupied with trying to get a reaction out of Nunez then he can take advantage.
Jurgen Klopp wants Darwin Nunez to turn his frustration into goals
There are concerns the Uruguayan striker will be targeted by opposition defenders after his dismissal against Crystal Palace
Frank Lampard sounds warning after Everton’s summer transfer window
Frank Lampard has warned Everton have not solved all their problems in one transfer window and cannot “go to the moon” quickly.
While Lampard made eight summer signings, Everton only narrowly avoided relegation last season and then lost top scorer Richarlison.
And Lampard believes he is at the start of a long-term rebuilding job as he said they should not be expected to finish in the top six or eight this season.
“It could take longer,” he said. “History tells you when you are building for something it takes time and there are bumps in the road. You are working against others who are very stable and have invested again.”
Frank Lampard sounds warning after Everton’s summer transfer window
The Toffees boss made eight additions to his squad this summer
Everton vs Liverpool
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Merseyside derby as Everton host Liverpool in the Premier League. Both teams are in need of points with Frank Lampard’s side hovering just above the relegation zone having failed to win any of their opening five matches. Liverpool meanwhile are seven points adrift from the top of the table will want to keep their winning run going following Fabio Carvalho’s last minute winner against Newcastle last time out.
Both clubs have been active in the transfer window with Everton bringing in James Garner and Idrissa Gueye on deadline day. More importantly for them, forward Neal Maupay is available to play today and will provide experience as a target point in the frontline something that the Toffees have been missing in this early matches.
Liverpool’s midfield injury crisis forced them back into the market against their initial plans and Arthur Melo has arrived from Juventus. If Jurgen Klopp can bring out the best in the temperamental midfielder he could prove a vital assest to the team going forward. Darwin Nunez has served his three-match ban and brings some depth to the attack and Diogo Jota may get a few minutes after returning to training for the Reds.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments