5 talking points as Mac Allister helps Liverpool peg back Man City at Anfield

10 March 2024 , 17:44

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Alexis Mac Allister scored Liverpool's equaliser from the spot (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool and Manchester City couldn't be separated at Anfield as their title tussle ended all square to leave Arsenal on top of the table and fire the starting pistol for the run-in..

City took the lead midway through the first half when Kevin De Bruyne's clever corner was bundled in at the near post by John Stones in a pre-rehearsed move, but Liverpool continued to press and almost levelled when Luis Diaz fired wide.

The Reds did then grab an equaliser early in the second period when Nathan Ake's poor back pass was seized upon by Darwin Nunez, who was brought down by Ederson to allow Alexis Mac Allister to coolly net from the spot.

Diaz missed two golden opportunities for Liverpool, and Stefan Ortega - on for the injured Ederson - saved well from Nunez, while City sub Jeremy Doku fired against the inside of the post from an angle late on, and he then survived a late VAR check after catching Mac Allister in the box.

Here are the game's main talking points from a breathless Anfield occasion.

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1. Man City will always find a new way to get you

John Stones bundled home the ball from Kevin De Bruyne's corner (Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola could be seen saluting the inspiration behind Manchester City's first half opener, and it was neither Stones or De Bruyne.

Carlos Vicens is the coach who works on City's set-pieces, along with an analyst called Jack Wilson, and it was to him that Guardiola pointed a finger in the aftermath of Stones' 23rd-minute goal.

Ake's role in blocking off Mac Allister played a huge role in the goal, with City obviously spotting a weakness in Liverpool's front post area, and De Bruyne possessing the ability to exploit that. City have so many weapons in their armoury, and this was just another one.

2. City's first half calm in the storm

City exuded calm after their goal (Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta famously called the Anfield experience 'the washing machine' earlier this season, and after scoring their goal at point when Liverpool were getting on top in the game, City looked determined not to get caught up in the occasion and the atmosphere.

They were deliberately slowing the game down, confident that they could hit the Reds on the counter-attack and giving the hosts more possession than perhaps even they would have expected going into the game. It was a professional approach, and one that gave Liverpool issues as their attacks began to come in fits and starts.

Ake's error early in the second half awakened Anfield at a time when City would have thought they were on the way to putting it to sleep, and Liverpool were superb from there.

3. Darwin Nunez frustrates... but is always so willing

Nunez was flagged offside five times in the first half alone (PA)

When he's looking somewhat scratchy, Nunez has a rather annoying habit of constantly getting caught offside, often appearing to be a bit too keyed up and eager to get in behind his man and wandering off as a result.

That was what kept happening in the first half as Liverpool pressed well and closed City down, but Nunez was flagged five times alone to end the move and allow City a reprieve. The forward is improving and is still such a weapon, but those rough edges still need smoothing out even if the Uruguayan's sense of incredible willing is so admirable, as we saw for the penalty.

4. Reds ramp it up as Alexis Mac Allister inspires

Mac Allister coolly scored from the spot to equalise (Getty Images)

The penalty was the cue for Liverpool to turn the screw, and Diaz really should have had them ahead before the hour mark and the introduction of Mo Salah.

He'd been off the pitch when the penalty was awarded allowing Mac Allister to take one for the second game running, and the World Cup winner was an absolutely masterful presence in the middle of the park as the Reds turned the screw.

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The £35million signing - and what a bargain that is by the way - is Liverpool's most important midfielder, and he's a tempo setter and control mechanism in the centre of the pitch, allowing those in front of him to try and cause chaos.

5. Arsenal the only winners?

Neither side could find a winning goal (PA)

And so the clash long billed as a title decider ended with neither team on top of the table.

Arsenal are still a very real runner in this most tantalising of title races, and while they will likely be happy with this result, both of these sides will probably gladly take their point too.

City, of the two, probably had more reason to feel this was two points lost given that they lost a lead at a time when they could have turned the screw, but this is a result all three parties involved in this thrilling race will probably shake hands on. Now to the thrills and spills of the run-in.

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Mark Jones