Manchester City v Liverpool Review: 2-2 Draw Only Fair

Yes, Manchester United created the most chances and they should have won this one, but a 2-2 draw fits the quality both teams displayed. The first leg also ended 2-2 last October.

That game mirrored this one in a lot of ways. These two giants still have to fight till the end for the English Premier League title. There are seven more matches to go, and on paper, Manchester City have the easiest matches, but football is not played on paper.

Match Report

The game got intense right away. The game plan was obvious from the onset. Manchester City took the lead early, after just five minutes. A quick free-kick saw De Bruyne roaming near the edge of Liverpool’s box.

Fabinho failed to pick up the Belgian, Joel Matip heavily deflected the midfielder’s shot into goal for 1-0. Earlier, before De Bruyne’s goal, Raheem Sterling was stopped from close range by Alison.

Liverpool grew into the game, and they got their reward. A quick switch of play by Thiago saw Liverpool attacking down the right. However, Manchester City cleared a ball whipped in from the right unto the path of Robertson. The former Hull City defender delivered a sweet cross into the box for Alexander-Arnold, who brought the ball down for Jota to slot home from close range.

Liverpool were back into the game, but Manchester City slowly regained momentum. The Citizens we’re putting in timed passes from every angle to catch The Reds out, and it worked. Joao Cancelo found Gabriel Jesus after a corner-kick. Gabriel Jesus managed to beat his ball-watching marker Alexander Arnold.

The Brazilian slotted the ball past his compatriot Alison to give Manchester City the lead again after 36 minutes. Liverpool had a couple of half chances before the break. One chance fell to Jota, who selfishly refused to square the ball to Salah for 2-2.

The second half kicked off with a bang. Liverpool focused on City’s left-hand side of defense and it paid off.

Mohamed Salah placed a pass that beat two Manchester City defenders onto the path of Sadio Mane, who smoothly slotted the ball into the corner for 2-2.

Manchester City thought they got a third goal when Raheem Sterling slotted the ball past Allison. However, his goal was checked and ruled by VAR.

7 Matches To Go

This match delivered in every way, and although there was no winner, it was surely one of the best matches of the campaign.