An exciting first half unfolded for Manchester City supporters as Jérémy Doku, the Belgian international, came alive early on, causing problems for Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool on the left wing.

It appeared like the traveling supporters were in for a long afternoon when Phil Foden was set up by Alisson’s weak clearing after only twelve minutes. However, they were relieved to see that Foden’s attempt was controlled and saved by the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Erling Haaland capitalized on yet another error by Alisson to put Manchester City ahead shortly before the half-hour mark. The Norwegian scored his 50th Premier League goal in just 48 games for City, as he sought his first goal in a City shirt against Liverpool.

Liverpool had their own opportunities, but it seemed like Darwin Núñez couldn’t break Ederson’s shutout. Following Dominik Szoboszlai’s pinpoint set-up, he could only see the side net after seeing the home goalie push an earlier effort away.

In contrast, the hosts wasted their clear-cut opportunities in the second half, when Argentine attacker Julian Álvarez blasted a pass from Doku over the bar.

Luis Díaz and Ryan Gravenberch were substituted for Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones in the 54th minute as a result of tactical substitutions made by Jürgen Klopp, which allowed Liverpool to gain a greater percentage of the ball. The Reds had more time on the ball, but they still failed to create many scoring opportunities.

Just before the 70th minute, City had two golden opportunities to double their advantage. The first came when Rodri appealed for a handball by Gravenberch inside the area, even though replays showed that the ball had definitely touched the thigh of the Dutchman. Manuel Akanji seemed to foul Alisson in the buildup, and Rúben Dias’s tap-in at the back post was disallowed only three minutes later.

After the home team had two good opportunities to take the lead, Liverpool stepped up their offensive. In the tenth minute of regular time, after Mohamed Salah set him up on the outside of the box, Trent Alexander-Arnold equalized with a magnificent curling strike.

Alisson appeared to have a hamstring injury in the eighth minute of stoppage time, which looked like it may cost Liverpool a point. However, with all five of Klopp’s substitutes used, the Brazilian was obliged to keep playing, and the Reds managed to scrape off a decent draw at the top of the league.

Midweek, Manchester City will host RB Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium. The following weekend, they will host Tottenham Hotspur. Thursday sees Liverpool host LASK at Anfield, followed by Fulham’s journey north to Merseyside.