Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool: Analysis

Phil McNulty, BBC Chief football writer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could not hide his pleasure at his team’s performance in the draw against Liverpool – but he must also have been hiding deep frustration.

City have been in winning positions late on in their last two Premier League games, away to Chelsea and here at Etihad Stadium, but have had to be content with a draw on both occasions.

The 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge was a fair outcome in a classic game whereas here it was simply a case of City paying the price for failing to take chances. For once, the Treble winners were not ruthless enough.

City had plenty of chances to put Liverpool away after Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 50 Premier League goals in his 48th game in the first half but they lacked cutting edge and suffered when Trent Alexander-Arnold put Liverpool on level terms ten minutes from time.

Guardiola’s team have a habit of growing into the season and still remain top, an ominous sign for the challengers who know City come on stronger the longer the campaign goes – but the Catalan will know this is a victory that got away.