10 March 2024 , 19:03
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Jurgen Klopp hugged Pep Guardiola at the final whistle as if he knew this was a moment to cherish.
The final Premier League showdown between two managerial greats produced one last enthralling battle before Klopp walks off into the sunset this summer. Even though Arsenal were the big beneficiaries, the bookies still think the champions will come from one of these two - and it is easy to understand why.
Manchester City showed some wonderful quality even if they failed to build on John Stones ’ first half opener as they surrendered control and the chance to take all three points. But Liverpool also showed incredible spirit and determination to haul themselves back into the game which epitomised what Klopp has built at Anfield.
The atmosphere was deafening, intimidating and overwhelming as, time and again, Klopp turned to the fans to give his team more - and they always delivered. Harvey Elliott was a dynamo in midfield, Virgil van Dijk a rock in defence and Joe Gomez produced another sensational display at left back, right back and then storming forward at the end.
For City, Stones stood out for his calmness as the noise and desperation swirled around him in a game which was played at breakneck speed - and never slowed down. It was intense, frenetic and crazy before it finished with a moment of madness when City substitute Jeremy Doku somehow karate kicked Alexis Mac Allister in the penalty box and yet got away with it.
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Referee Michael Oliver did not give a penalty, VAR Stuart Attwell did not step in and, deep into injury time, Liverpool were denied what looked a clear spot kick and would surely have been a foul anywhere else on the pitch.
Klopp looked bewildered on the touchline and no wonder. But what is even more bewildering is why Klopp would walk away from all of this when the rest of us can never get enough.
John Stones scored a well-worked corner to put Man City ahead (Getty Images)Since Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad eight years ago, City have only managed just one Premier League win at Anfield. But also, in any other era, Liverpool would have won about five titles.
Being Liverpool during Guardiola’s reign is a bit like Andy Murray playing in tennis’ greatest ever up against the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. It is a tribute to Liverpool that they have even lived with City for so long and that is exactly what they did again this time.
City started well and Stones put them ahead after 23 minutes with a corner routine straight from the training ground. Kevin De Bruyne put in a near post corner, Liverpool’s players were either blocked off or did not spot the danger and in sneaked Stones with a close range tap-in.
Ederson fouled Darwin Nunez to hand Liverpool a penalty (AFP via Getty Images)But credit to Liverpool, they fought back and defied City who looked increasingly dangerous on the break with Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva buzzing around the pitch. Liverpool were then gifted a 50th minute equaliser. Nathan Ake’s careless back pass let in Darwin Nunez, the Liverpool striker darted into the box and was then duly taken out by City keeper Ederson.
Mac Allister smashed home the spot kick and soon after Ederson went off injured as he could not recover after hurting himself making the challenge. Now it was advantage Liverpool as reserve keeper Stefan Ortega looked edgy but twice Luis Diaz went through and could not finish.
Alexis Mac Allister drew Liverpool back level from the spot (Getty Images)De Bruyne was substituted and remonstrated with Guardiola when he was hooked. You rarely see such discontent or City rattled. A deflection off Foden hit the bar while Doku hit the inside of the post.
It was up for grabs at Anfield again. Neither side was ready to settle for a draw. But Liverpool were denied at the end when Doku tried to clear the ball, kicked Mac Allister in the chest and somehow a penalty was not given. Incredible.
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