Guardiola gives Liverpool credit over Sunday’s draw

Manchester City and Liverpool both settled for shared spoils on Sunday after a 1-1 draw in their 1 v 2 clash at Anfield Stadium. Both teams, at the point of the fixture, were already behind Arsenal, who leapfrogged into first on Saturday after a 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday at Emirates Stadium.

Perhaps the result boosted the morale of the defending champions to start the game at Anfield with more urgency, threatening on Kelleher’s goal in the first 15 minutes of the encounter.

Caoimhin Kelleher denied Julián Álvarez and Kevin De Bruyne inside the opening eight minutes. The Reds also saw Darwin Núñez send a header wide and also set up Luis Díaz from an offside position for a tap-in, which was canceled.

The visitors will go into the break with a lead when John Stones scored just before the halftime break. Unfortunately, the lead lasted just into the break as Liverpool scored from the penalty spot immediately after the break through McAllister.

The Reds had another shout for a penalty deep into the second half after a rough play from Jeremy Doku, but it was not given, and neither was a card issued. Pep Guardiola admitted both teams measured up to each other during the encounter.

“Good moments from both sides. We started really well. We have to never ever forget when we play in this stadium; otherwise, we don’t have a chance, knowing it will be so difficult. It was a tight game on moments. Not a game where all the time a team controls it. A lot of credit to Liverpool. They proved again what they have done is unbelievable for this rivalry. I know how difficult it is to come here and win. The players gave everything. I give credit to the opponents and take the point.” Guardiola said.

There is just a single point difference between Arsenal, who top the table, and the second and third positions where Liverpool and Manchester City are, respectively.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu