(Football news) In a fixture that was deemed as a title decider, Manchester City and Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium with the visitors showing great resilience to come from behind twice and secure an invaluable point against the reigning champions. In team news, Pep Guardiola made three changes to his side with Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker coming into the side and Nathan Ake, Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan dropping out. As for Liverpool, they made three changes as well with Luis Diaz on the bench and Diogo Jota through the middle while Joel Matip partnered with Virgil Van Dijk at centre-back and Jordan Henderson replaced Naby Keita in the middle of the park.

It took just five minutes for City to take the lead through Kevin De Bruyne but Liverpool’s Diogo Jota equalised just eight minutes later. It was like a boxing fight between the two teams with City getting the first blood and Liverpool retaliating as Gabriel Jesus restored his side’s lead in the 36 minute after a defensive lapse by the visitors ensured that the Brazilian only had Allison to beat. However, Sadio Mane found an equaliser almost immediately after half-time, ensuring his side got a point from the fixture. Despite City’s dominance and high intensity play in the first half, Liverpool always posed a threat, especially on the counter attack.

Raheem Sterling managed to put the ball into the back of the net midway through the second half but his goal was ruled out for offside. Both sides looked for a winner as Mohamed Salah’s shot was deflected wide and Jesus missed an opportunity as well. In the final minute, Riyad Mahrez saw his freekick go wide off the post and his ambitious chip just before the final whistle went over the bar. Despite the result being a good one for Liverpool, City remains in the driving seat to retain their Premier League crown and have the fate of the league firmly in their own hands while the Reds cannot afford to slip up anymore. However, Pep Guardiola and his team will be disappointed to not get the three points from this fixture, especially considering that they were the better team throughout the match.

Speaking after the game, City manager Pep Guardiola said “It was a good game. I will have to review the game but I have a feeling we missed an opportunity. A feeling that we left them alive. Heads up, I said to the team after the game, I don't want one second of sadness. It was a good game for our fans, Liverpool fans, fans in the UK and around the world. We dignified the Premier League. We created a lot against them, except for maybe the last final action. It was an incredible performance, I am so proud of my team. We know now that we have to win every game. It will be difficult but it will be difficult for them too."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said “Nothing changed, really. You play 95 minutes of incredibly intense football and nothing changed. If we win today, we are two points up, that changes nothing. We have to be nearly perfect to beat this team in a game and over a season too.” When asked if his team will have to win every remaining game, the German manager said “I think that is probably right. We knew it in January. We had to win 18 games. If there was one we could draw it was today. We have to be pretty much as close to perfection as possible to win seven Premier League games which is insane but that is the only way to beat this team. If it is enough. Because they might win seven as well."

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