(Football news) Manchester City failed to capitalise on the opportunity to go six points clear of 2nd place Liverpool after a dramatic 2-2 draw against West Ham at the London Stadium. A victory against the Hammers would have all but assured Pep Guardiola’s team the Premier League title but they were forced to settle for a draw after being down by two goals and making a stunning comeback to level 2-2. However, the feeling inside the City dressing room would be two points lost rather than a point gained after Riyad Mahrez’s 86th minute penalty was saved by Lukasz Fabianski. 

Two goals by Jarrod Bowen in the first half threatened to blow the title race wide open in an emotional day for West Ham as captain Mark Noble came on from the bench in his last appearance for the club. City fought back with a goal from Jack Grealish who beat Fabianski through a deflected strike from Rodri’s header while Vladimir Coufal scored an own goal by heading a freekick by Mahrez into his own net. It looked like City could secure the three points when Craig Dawson’s foul on Gabriel Jesus resulted in a penalty but Riyad Mahrez’s penalty was saved by Fabianski. If Liverpool win their game in hand against Southampton, the title race will go on into the final day of the season with a win guaranteeing City the title. 

Speaking after the match, City manager Pep Guardiola said “Great comeback. And a comeback against this team in this stadium with the way they defend and how strong they are was an incredible credit to the team. We played a really good game. We spoke at half-time and said if we score one goal, we'll be in the game, don't give up. Fortunately we scored early in the second half. One more week, one more game, with our people at home. 

“I assure you something: it will be sold out in the Etihad Stadium and we'll do the best performance possible to win the game and win the title. It would have been perfect to win today but West Ham is fighting for the Europa League and have made an incredible season. It's in our hands, that's good. It will not be easy. there will be a lot of emotions. We have to train calmly and arrive fresh. We have one week. Some days to recover. And we will do everything in that game to win the title."

West Ham captain Mark Noble said “We agreed we wouldn't do [a sentimental sub] it was only to be in the best interests of the football team and West Ham. Kevin Nolan came over to me at half-time and said the gaffer's going to need you at about 70 minutes and it's thank you to Lukasz that he saves the penalty right at the end and makes the day that little bit more special. I tried to keep it together at first but the emotion got the better of me. 

“It was a fantastic send-off from the fans today. It's been a long lead-up to this game because I announced it last season and what a season it's been. I couldn't have asked for a better send-off. Very rarely at this level of football do you get to make your own exit and I've been lucky enough to do that. It's the right time now to go and spend time with the family. I'll always be associated with West Ham. They've made it clear to me, the board, the owners and the boss that they want me to stay but I'm definitely going to have a holiday and see what happens in the future."

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