Pep Guardiola said Manchester City ‘take the point’ after earning a 1-1 draw at title rivals Liverpool.
The two teams played out an enthralling contest at Anfield, with Manchester City taking the lead though a John Stones goal, before clinging on for a point and surviving a second-half onslaught from the home side.
Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty equalised for Liverpool after the break, with the Reds dominating the game after half-time and wasting a number of good opportunities when well placed.
Stefan Ortega – who came on for Ederson after the goalkeeper injured himself fouling Darwin Nunez for Liverpool’s penalty – made a brilliant point-blank stop from Nunez, while Luis Diaz missed two good chances for the home side.
Jeremy Doku came closest to finding a winner for City after hitting the post, though the Belgian was fortunate to escape without punishment after catching Mac Allister with a high foot inside the area in stoppage time.
The draw leaves the table perfectly poised, with Liverpool and City sat second and third. Just one point separates the top three, after Arsenal moved top of the table on goal difference this weekend.
“We started really well but they are incredible team. We had our moments, they had theirs. The way they play it is not easy. We take that point,” Guardiola said to Sky Sports.
“First half we had momentum, lots of chances first half. And after we gave away the penalty, we suffered. It was a good game for the spectators.
“I know how difficult it is at Anfield. It is difficult at Etihad too, Liverpool have not won there in eight years. We prove, both sides we are incredible competitors. I would prefer a win but they prove for many years the quality they have. It was good from everyone.”
The clash was the final Premier League fixture between Guardiola’s Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, with the two managers sharing a warm embrace at the full-time whistle.
“We wouldn’t need a hug to show that [respect]. He defends his club, I defend mine. Our history speaks for itself. We still have 10 games to go, many things can happen.”
