Manchester City and Liverpool played out a hugely entertaining 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday, that leaves the title race very much in the balance still.
The encounter was played a frantic pace, and it took just five minutes for City to take the lead, when Kevin De Bruyne’s shot from outside the box deflected in off Joel Matip’s outstretched leg.
But the visitors were level not long after, with Diogo Jota converting from inside the box after he was picked out by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
After that, City began to take more control of proceedings and Gabriel Jesus and Joao Cancelo went close with efforts that forced saves from Alisson.
Meanwhile, Liverpool nearly scored off a City error, after Ederson got his feet muddled up just a few yards from goal, but managed to coolly get back in time and pass to a team-mate.
When the next goal came it was deservedly for City. Joao Cancelo picked out Jesus with an excellent cross-field ball, and City’s No.9 side-footed it past Alisson from just under the crossbar.
Yet, the picture changed again within a minute of the second half starting, as Mohamed Salah picking out Sadio Mane with an excellent through ball, and the Senegal international placed it into the bottom corner with a first-time finish.
Jota then forced a save from Ederson with a poked shot following a counter-attack as the pace of the contest continued in the second period.
Raheem Sterling put the ball in the back of the net after 63 minutes, only for it to be ruled out for the tightest of offside calls, as City continued on top in the latter stages.
Riyad Mahrez came on and went close with a free-kick, and an injury-time chip, while De Bruyne registered a few half chances.
After such a high-pace encounter, the final stages were a little more pedestrian, with both sides perhaps accepting of a draw and perhaps a little fatigued from the energy exerted.
Here’s how we rated the players in a pulsating fixture at the Etihad...
1. Ederson- 5
Nearly conceded a comical own-goal on 23 minutes when he misjudged the pace of the ball, but scrambled back to good effect. Saved well from Jota early in the second period, but for all Liverpool’s attacks Ederson wasn’t called into action that often.
2. Kyle Walker- 6
Was forced to sprint back on numerous occasions and Walker’s pace helped City maintain their high line.
3. John Stones- 7
Dealt well physically with Liverpool’s attackers and was dominant in the air. Stones’s passing was also good and the England international looked composed on a difficult afternoon for defenders.
4. Aymeric Laporte- 7
Produced a great goal-saving tackle in the first half to deny Jota and had to be on hand to produce plenty of important challenges.