This was no doubt one of the much-abated encounters of the tittle favorites since the new season began.
However none of them could swagger around and belittle the other, since it would be detrimental to either.
The epic encounter at Anfield settled the doubt.
It would certainly take some effort to block these sides from clinching the top 2 positions in the premier league. Despite the order,that is a fact that can not be written off. However, it may be surprising how the blue army did not walk away with all the three points after the encounter.
To evaluate how James Milner survived a red card especially after Foden bossed him on his makeshift rightback position is understatement.
However, it was Mohammed Salah who carried the day with a world class performance. His goal and assist were all that Liverpool needed to take lead at various moments in the game before City came roaring back in each occasion. At some moments, he seemed untouchable and bullied the city midfield upto the defence. Not only did his contribution pronounce him as one of the lethal finishers in the league but it also exposed city´s lack of a reliable striker as they wasted chance after chance especially in the first half.
Just before the hour, Liverpool claimed the lead, thanks to the brilliance of Salah. He remarkably beat beat Joao Cancelo´s weak challenge on half pitch before racing towards city goal. He slipped the ball through to Sadio Mane who did not make any mistake and fired straight at Ederson. Anfield erupted, it came rocking and with Roberto Firmino coming on, it was like a message was being sent to Mancity that they had to pay for their profligacy.
Despite trailing behind, the champions bounced back in style and stamped their mark with a fine goal of their own. Gabriel Jesus collected possession and raced infield before playing a superb pass to Foden. His first touch was deft, second one was crisp before firing low and hard towards the goal and beat Allison Becker into the far corner of the goal.
But , really it was Salah´s goal which restored Liverpool´s lead that had Anfield erupt. It will be remain in the minds of many football fans and analysts. He rounded three of mancity´s defenders before slotting past a helpless Ederson. City later equalised through De Bruyne and finished the stronger and dominant side. It appears that the rivalry is back to one and the gold standard has been set.
