The Premier League’s championship race is on hold due to numerous mistakes and weaknesses in defending, with the outcome set to be decided in the final stages.

The match between Liverpool and Manchester City lacked a climactic ending and was plagued by mistakes. Despite the high level of play that has come to be expected in this intense rivalry under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership at Liverpool, the game was marked by costly errors. The first goal was conceded due to a mistake by John Stones, and the equalizer came from a poorly placed pass by Nathan Ake. In addition, numerous scoring opportunities were squandered.

This could potentially benefit the title competition as imperfections often create more excitement than perfection. The 1-1 tie was favorable for Arsenal, as it solidifies their position at the top of the league due to goal difference.

These margins demonstrate how the game was reminiscent of the intense competition between Liverpool and City in the 2018-19 title race, with numerous close calls that could ultimately come down to mere millimeters once again.

Could Jeremy Doku end up rueing the ball’s bounce off the post more than Luis Diaz regrets his numerous missed opportunities? Also, should we consider Doku’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister in the 98th minute, which appeared to be a penalty? Might the interpretation of that moment have a significant impact?

Liverpool may have felt they were entitled to more than a draw, but they should be proud of their performance against City despite missing some key players.

Pep Guardiola’s team appeared poised to dominate based on the starting line-ups, but the initial moments proved otherwise. However, by the end of the game, the tide had turned due to Klopp’s influence and the team’s determination.

They were furious due to a late penalty call and regretting missed opportunities.

That was quite different from how it began.

The youthfulness of the Liverpool squad was evident in how City dominated the game with their experience. They controlled the space in their own half and effortlessly created opportunities in Liverpool’s half. City successfully breached the defense multiple times, with Kevin De Bruyne leading the way in the first 20 minutes.

Liverpool were lucky that the game wasn’t over during that time, but unfortunately they ended up falling behind even after catching up. However, that feeling of bad luck can only explain so much. The goal scored by John Stones was a result of poor defending during the corner.

Darwin Nunez was designated to be guarding him, but his carelessness allowed De Bruyne to showcase his own agility.

The delivery was excellent and Stones’ goal was cleverly executed. If this caused any worries for Liverpool regarding the young team’s lack of experience and need for emotional momentum, they were quickly laid to rest. Klopp’s team had already begun to exploit openings in City’s defense. Harvey Elliott remained persistent in his probing. Diaz was creating chaos with his darting runs into the penalty area, which proved more fruitful than running into open space.

The city received a warning when Dominik Szboszlai was given a free header, but he missed the goal. However, this was not as perplexing as Nathan Ake’s decision in the second half, when his short back-pass ended up reaching Darwin Nunez instead of Ederson, who ended up fouling the striker. Alexis Mac Allister gave the net a scare with a close attempt to tie the game 1-1.

The match was evenly matched, but then it shifted dramatically. It started with both teams strategically looking for openings, but eventually became a free-flowing game – particularly on the City’s side. They were now lucky and benefited from some poor shots and choices.

Diaz could have had a hat-trick, with three different types of opportunities. The variety made it all the more frustrating for Liverpool, especially as he ran through on goal only to skew it wide. As embarrassing as that might have been, he rectified it by repeatedly embarrassing some of City’s defenders.

Guardiola had to make two substitutions, one due to an injury to Ederson which could have significant effects. Stefan Ortega replaced him, but surprisingly, De Bruyne was also taken off shortly after. Guardiola seemed to believe that De Bruyne’s presence was not beneficial to the midfield which was more vulnerable than usual. De Bruyne was visibly upset on the sidelines, gesturing to his manager in disbelief before showing the same expression towards the bench.

The manager of the team in City was quickly proven right as Phil Foden made a successful attempt that hit the top post.

The team from City held a consistent stance. The coach’s perspective was beyond even De Bruyne’s capabilities. They came close to securing victory when substitute player Jeremy Doku hit the post.

Could millimeters be the determining factor for title in the same way as it was in 2018-19?

It is possible that this game did not reach the climax that it deserved. There was a feeling of unfulfillment, but this is not the first time this has happened between these two teams. The same thing happened in the highly anticipated 2021-22 season.

Klopp is able to put this match behind him now, but the intense competition with City may reach a new peak. There is still a lot at stake and another team is still in the running.

We may witness an intense race for the Premier League title if the only thing lacking is precision. This becomes even more crucial considering City’s 115 suspected violations and other problems within the league.

There are no problems with the play. The only thing left is the last act.

Source: independent.co.uk