Liverpool vs Manchester City LIVE: Riyad Mahrez misses penalty with awful effort to let Reds off the hook
In a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash, Liverpool and Manchester City could not be separated at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds, after their seven-game winning start to the season, have now not won in four matches, but they will have been relieved to escape the encounter with a draw after Virgil van Dijk conceded a late penalty.
However, the surprise decision to let Riyad Mahrez take the penalty came back to haunt the reigning champions as the Algerian blazed his effort high over the crossbar,leaving City top of the table but only ahead of both Chelsea and Liverpool on goal difference. Re-live the live action below.
So a Sunday stalemate at Anfield to cap off an entertaining day of football. A low in quality yet frantic first half, a dramatic second half but ultimately no goals at Anfield.
Did both managers overthink things? Neither side were anywhere near their best, but you feel Pep Guardiola will be relatively happy to break the losing streak against Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp will be pleased to have not lost right at the death.
Neither side willing to commit to many men forward for fear of the counter-attack, and thus neither side really able to force a clear chance. Both teams look well organised defensively.
Gabriel Jesus skins Joe Gomez with a magical bit of skill and Lovren catches the Brazilian striker's face with his arm. Martin Atkinson shakes his head, but that could have been given.
Liverpool vs Manchester City kicks off at 4:30pm (BST) on Sunday 7th October.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Premier League channels from 4:15pm.
Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the game via the SkyGo app.
Highlights will be shown at 10:30pm on BBC One.
It’s a big game for…
Mo Salah: Despite his impressive goal-scoring run against City - having scored in the past three matches between the teams - Salah comes into this game amidst his worst form in a Liverpool shirt. Last season’s Premier League Golden Boot winner has scored one goal in seven matches, and was taken off in the 60th minute last week against Chelsea with his team needing a goal. Unquestionably needs a big performance.
Salah is only one goal behind his total at the same point last season (Reuters)
Weird /best stat…
9: Despite scoring in six straight appearances against Liverpool at the Etihad, Sergio Aguero has never scored at Anfield in nine matches for both City and Atletico Madrid.
Remember when…
Last season’s Premier League encounter at Anfield was arguably the match of the year. City lost their 22-game long unbeaten run in the league, as Liverpool’s attack swarmed all over City in a second-half rampage. Pep Guardiola’s team clawed back two late goals to set up a frantic finish, but Jurgen Klopp’s men held on for a memorable victory.
Player to watch…
David Silva: The 32-year-old scored Man City’s late winner against Hoffenheim in midweek, and remains an integral part to the way Pep Guardiola’s side play. Liverpool’s attacking philosophy means there will be space for Silva to exploit, with the little Spaniard’s intricate creativity vital for Man City’s forward-line to thrive. Alongside name-sake Bernardo, the left-footed duo hold the key to unlocking Liverpool's defence on Sunday.
David Silva closes down Martin Montoya (Getty)
Past three-meetings…
Manchester City 1 (Jesus) Liverpool 2 (Salah, Firmino), Champions League, April 2018
Liverpool 3 (Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Firmino) Manchester City 0, Champions League, April 2018
Liverpool 4 (Oxlade-Chamberlain, Firmino, Mane, Salah) Manchester City 3 (Sane, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan), Premier League, January 2018
Form guide…
Liverpool: WWWLDL
Manchester City: WLWWWW
Odds…
Liverpool to win: 31/20
Manchester City to win: 7/4
Draw: 5/2
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
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