Sadio Mane scored a crucial equalizer to keep Liverpool’s title hopes alive in a four-goal Premier League thriller. Liverpool had to come from behind twice in a game that many pundits believed was a title decider.
The game was played in a rasping atmosphere before the Etihad crowd and Liverpool’s visiting fans. Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring for Manchester City before Diogo Jota equalized for The Reds. Gabriel Jesus restored the defending champions’ lead later on, but Sadio Mane scored the second equalizer early in the second half, after which both teams tried to push for a winner. The title race is now on as City leads Liverpool by one point.
Team News
Pep Guardiola made three changes from the team that beat Atletico Madrid in midweek. The Spanish tactician dropped Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan, and Riyad Mahrez and replaced them with Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus, and Kyle Walker.
On the other end, Vwin sports news reported that Klopp also made three changes from the side that brushed off Benfica. He played Diogo Jota through the middle, while Joel Matip returned to partner Virgil Van Dijk and Henderson came in for Naby Keita. Luis Diaz, who many thought would start the match, started on the bench.
City Started On the Front Foot
The home side started on the front foot, with Raheem Sterling spurning a clear chance. Moments later, in the sixth minute, Joel Matip deflected De Bruyne’s shot into the corner for the opener. The goal set the tone for the match as both teams came alive.
However, City dominated the proceedings in the first half as they played with intensity. Were it not for the quality of Klopp’s team, things would have been very different by halftime. The Reds did not just try to neutralize City’s threat; they were also dangerous going forward.
Their efforts bore fruit when Diogo Jota scored after being laid clear by Trent Alexander-Arnold. The goal silenced the home fans, albeit for a short while. City’s game plan seemed to involve Harry and press, which explains why Pep gave Jesus his first start since New Year’s Day.
Pep’s decision was justified when the Brazilian got to the end of Joao Cancelo’s angled ball into the penalty area to put the shot past Alisson.
The Goalkeepers Played a Key Role
The goalkeepers were outstanding in this match as they made crucial saves and mistakes. For example, Alisson’s casual passing invited pressure on his team while Ederson almost scored an own goal.
City went to the break leading the tie, but through Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, Liverpool ensured the scores were level immediately after halftime. The two teams went toe-to-toe, so it was difficult to predict what would break the tie.
The Title Race is on!
Raheem Sterling thought he had grabbed a winner for his team, only for VAR to rule out his goal for offside. Both sides chased the winner, with players giving their best to help their team win. Pep brought in Riyad Mahrez to offer something different to his team’s attack.
The Algerian curled a free-kick wide and attempted an ambitious chip in stoppage time, but all the efforts went wide. The match was grueling, exciting, and irresolute. Nonetheless, it sets the stage for an exciting title race!
Photo by Unsplash