Riyad Mahrez spurned a brilliant opportunity to earn Manchester City all three points at the end of an enthralling top-of-the-table clash against Liverpool.Instead, the two sides played out a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.One point separated the title contenders ahead of Sunday afternoon’s crunch fixture in Manchester.Billed as one of the biggest matches in recent Premier League history, league-leaders City and second-placed Liverpool knew that victory would significantly boost their chances of becoming this season’s champions.

City produced an excellent first half vs Liverpool

And it was City who took a fifth-minute lead courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne, whose deflected strike found its way past Alisson. Liverpool’s goalkeeper produced a fine save from Raheem Sterling moments earlier but couldn’t prevent De Bruyne’s strike from hitting the net.

It was the perfect start for Pep Guardiola’s side; however, it didn’t take long for the visitors to level the scores through Diogo Jota.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cut-back found the Portuguese forward, who made no mistake from close range.

Every City fan had their hearts in the mouths when Ederson almost cost his side with one of the most casual pieces of goalkeeping seen all season, but the same supporters were celebrating re-taking the lead shortly afterwards thanks to Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian produced a composed finish after Alexander-Arnold inadvertently kept him onside following Joao Cancelo’s pass into the box.

Liverpool equalised early in second half

City had been at their brilliant best during the first half but it took Liverpool just 47 seconds after the restart to score their second goal of the afternoon.

Mohamed Salah was anonymous during the opening 45 minutes but the Egyptian’s inch-perfect pass allowed Sadio Mane to equalise.

Liverpool came flying out of the traps at the start of the second half. Whatever Jurgen Klopp said to his players during the half-time interval clearly had the desired effect.

Was Raheem Sterling offside?

But the Reds were let off the hook following a VAR call midway through the second half. Raheem Sterling thought he’d scored against his former employers but the England international was judged to have been offside by the thinnest of margins.

Mahrez spurns incredible late chance for Man City v Liverpool

No further goals were scored although Mahrez will be kicking himself after missing a golden opportunity at the death.

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How costly might that miss prove to be for City as the title race nears ever closer to its conclusion.

Man City v Liverpool - Reaction (Football Terrace)

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