Liverpool vs Man City LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Alexis Mac Allister penalty ensures draw
Jurgen Klopp faces Pep Guardiola for potentially the final time in the rivalry that has defined the Premier League in recent years - and could yet decide this season’s title race
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A game that had everything except a crescendo - and maybe some accuracy. As high as the standards to this rivalry have been over Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool, there was a symbolism in how it was error that characterised another otherwise brilliant match against Manchester City. Liverpool lost John Stones for the first goal before a misplaced Nathan Ake pass gave up the equaliser, as so many chances were missed.
That may actually be better for the title race, since imperfection tends to produce much more drama than perfection. This 1-1 draw was certainly best for Arsenal, who stay top of the league on goal difference.
Such margins reflect how this game itself had echoes from then high ceilings of the first Liverpool-City title race in 2018-19, as there were so many near misses that may yet bring this down to mere millimetres again.
There was still the sense that Liverpool will feel they deserved more than the draw, although they can take considerable confidence from how a depleted side took it to City. Follow live reaction from Liverpool vs Manchester City below and get the latest match odds here.
FULLT-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
One point separates the three teams at the top with 10 games to go.
Arsenal sit top on 64 points, with a goal difference of 46. Liverpool have the same number of points but a 39 goal difference, while City have one less point and a goal difference of 35.
City play Arsenal at home in the next round of Premier League fixtures on 31 March. Arsenal then play Luton at home before travelling to Brighton, while City host Villa before going away to Crystal Palace.
Liverpool play Brighton and Sheffield United at home before a huge game away at Manchester United on 7 April.
FULLT-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
An excellent game overall; very entertaining, and at times it really was edge-of-the-seat stuff.
City were the dominant side in the first half, but that Ake mistake turned the game on its head, and Liverpool had the best of the second half. On the balance of second-half chances, Liverpool probably deserved another goal, but a draw is a fair enough result.
Klopp and Guardiola shared an embrace at the end of the game, though Klopp will likely be rueing some of those missed opportunities.
FULLT-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
FULLT-TIME: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
FULL-TIME! The referee blows the final whistle after the liverpool corner is cleared.
Full-time, and Arsenal end the weekend on top of the Premier League. Liverpool are in second only on goal difference, with city a point behind.
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
98 mins: There are shouts for a penalty as Doku follows through on Mac Allister’s chest. It is tight but Doku did win the ball first. We finish with one last Liverpool corner.
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
96 mins: The game is in danger pf petering out as both teams probably begin to realise that a point isn’t a bad result. Liverpool certainly look more urgent, and a ball into the box lands at the feet of Gakpo. Rather than shoot he lays it off to Salah, who is challenged by Ake as the ball rolls past him.
There are shouts for a penalty but it was never going to be given.
Liverpool go back up the other end and win a corner. It’ll likely be the last action of the game.
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
94 mins: Doku is released down the right again, but his ball into the box is wasteful. Liverpool have the ball again but time is running out. City look like they’re picking the right time to attack or sit back.
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
92 mins: Liverpool continue to pile on the pressure, though they aren’t really threatening City as it stands.
A corner is easily cleared, but City can’t keep possession. Eliott releases Salah down the wing, and his cross is met by Gakpo, who hits the post. Elliott turns in the rebound well, but the whistle went for offside before Salah had even crossed.
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
90 mins: After that Doku chance, Liverpool went right up the other end. Salah was through on the right, but his cross is straight to Ortega.
We’ll have eight minutes of added time.
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
88 mins: CLOSE! City have their best chance of the half. Kovacic releases Haaland, who holds it up well and plays it across to Doku. The Belgian shimmies across Gomez and gets a shot away – it bounces off the inside of the far post and into Kelleher’s hands!
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