[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Liverpool ended Manchester City’s remarkable 23-game winning streak at the Etihad Stadium in a highly anticipated clash between the Premier League’s top two teams, resulting in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold played a pivotal role, scoring a fine strike 10 minutes from time to salvage a point after Erling Haaland had given City the lead with his 50th Premier League goal.
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The draw maintains a slim one-point gap between the two teams, with Arsenal having the chance to claim the top spot from City if they secure a victory against Brentford later on Saturday.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed dissatisfaction with the early kick-off time, particularly given the recent international break that saw players from both teams participating in World Cup qualifying action in South America just over 72 hours ago. The effects of fatigue were evident as the much-anticipated showdown failed to produce the expected fireworks.
City capitalized on sloppy passes from Liverpool in the first half, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker escaping unscathed after a weak shot from Phil Foden. However, Alisson’s sliced clearance led to Nathan Ake setting up Haaland, who clinically found the far corner to give City the lead.
Haaland’s goal marked his 50th in the Premier League, achieving this milestone in just 48 appearances—a new record for the quickest half-century, surpassing Andy Cole’s previous record of 65 matches.
While City appeared more likely to extend their lead in the second half, Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson made crucial saves, denying Foden’s low drive and making amends for his earlier error.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez posed a threat to City’s defense, with Ederson saving Nunez’s header and a powerful effort. Despite City having opportunities to increase their lead, Liverpool managed to equalize against the run of play.
Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch were introduced from the bench by Klopp in an attempt to rally his team. Diaz, whose father had been flown to England by Liverpool after a kidnapping ordeal, played a role in Liverpool’s equalizer. Salah laid the ball into Alexander-Arnold’s path, and the English defender finished superbly into the bottom corner.
Although City pressed for a winner in the added eight minutes, they were unable to secure a home victory for the first time since December 31 of the previous year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
