Manchester City twice came from behind to draw with title rivals Liverpool in a pulsating game at Anfield.
A battle of the last two Premier League champions, this fixture has rarely disappointed in recent seasons, and it certainly didn’t this time round.
After starting deep, expecting an Anfield onslaught from their hosts, City grew into the game and dominated the first half, quieting the home crowd as Liverpool looked lethargic both in and out of possession.
Phil Foden had his side’s first attempt on target in the 21st minute, drawing a good save from Alisson following a superb run by Bernardo Silva, the Portugal international beating four opposition players before having the composure to play Foden through.
The 21-year-old then wanted a penalty 11 minutes later for what he though was a trip by James Milner. Replays showed there was contact, but it was outside the box. Either way, referee Paul Tierney was unmoved, and VAR did not overrule him.
City, who were targeting Milner, the 35-year-old replacing the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back, were in behind with Foden once again soon after, the England international whipping a beautiful cross in for Kevin De Bruyne but the Belgian midfielder could only head over when well placed.
Foden was in behind Milner and the Liverpool defence yet again before the end of the first half, latching onto goalkeeper Ederson’s pass but being tackled by Alisson who had read the play well.
Liverpool, who were lucky to get to half-time at 0-0, had to improve in the second half and they did, Diogo Jota forcing a save from Ederson in the 50th minute following a clever turn and shot, that effort his side’s first attempt on target.
Now roared on by the home faithful, Jurgen Klopp’s team took the lead just under 10 minutes later, Mohamed Salah skipping past Joao Cancelo before driving into the City half and slipping the ball through to Sadio Mane. The Senegal international took one touch before confidently stroking the ball past Ederson into the far corner.
The reigning Premier League champions were level 10 minutes later, however, Foden, who had been telling his teammates to calm down in possession just moments before, deservedly getting on the scoresheet with a pinpoint finish from a narrow angle.
The game then turned on a refereeing decision, Paul Tierney choosing not to show Milner a second yellow card after he cynically brought down Bernardo Silva following another mazy run.
The lack of a decision earnt Guardiola a yellow card as he went wild at fourth official Mike Dean on the touchline, while Klopp recognised his team had got away with one as he prepared to replace Milner with Joe Gomez.
Before he could do so, Salah restored Liverpool’s lead with one of the goals of the season. Surrounded by three City players as he picked up the ball on the edge of the box, he showed great strength and skill to hold them off, before dancing past Aymeric Laporte and shooting across Ederson with his weaker right foot.
Once again, however, City deservedly pegged their rivals back, De Bruyne equalising five minutes later thanks to a helping hand from Joel Matip, the Liverpool defender deflecting the Belgian’s left-footed strike past the diving Alisson.
There was still time for more drama, though, Rodri producing a goal saving tackle to deny Fabinho after Ederson had missed his punch from Salah’s free-kick.
City themselves could have won it on the counter in added time, De Bruyne releasing substitute Raheem Sterling to go one-on-one with Matip, but the former Liverpool winger couldn’t beat his man as the game finished 2-2.
Both sides therefore missed the opportunity to go above Chelsea at the top of the league, Liverpool staying second but closing to within a point of Thomas Tuchel’s team with City up to third and a further point back.
Despite leading twice, Liverpool should be happier with the result, being comprehensively outplayed in the first half and only staying in the game thanks to City’s wastefulness in front of goal, something that is starting to become a common theme of their season.
Pep Guardiola will nonetheless be content with his side’s performance, especially considering it concluded a week in which they won at Chelsea and performed admirably at PSG.
