With Liverpool visiting the Etihad Stadium, possibly the biggest game on the Premier League schedule at the moment, Jürgen Klopp’s team might potentially pass Manchester City to take the top spot in the standings.

Jérémy Doku came alive early in what was an intriguing first half for Manchester City supporters. The Belgian international was constantly involved on the left wing, trying to make life difficult for Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool.

It appeared that the visiting supporters would have a difficult afternoon when, after just twelve minutes, Alisson’s clumsy clearing was played straight to Phil Foden. They were relieved that Foden’s strike was weak and went straight into the Brazilian goalkeeper’s arms.

But just before the half-hour mark, Manchester City took the lead thanks to another error from Alisson that Erling Haaland took advantage of. In an attempt to score his first goal in a City shirt against Liverpool, the Norwegian found the back of the net for his 50th Premier League goal in just 48 games.

Although Liverpool had opportunities of their own, Darwin Núñez didn’t seem to be able to challenge Ederson’s clean sheet. After Dominik Szoboszlai’s excellent tee-up, he saw an effort palmed away by the home goalie and was only able to pick out the side netting.

However, the second half would present a very different picture, with the hosts wasting their obvious opportunities when Doku’s pass for Julian Álvarez was brilliantly blocked by the Argentine striker.

Jürgen Klopp made tactical substitutions in the 54th minute that gave Liverpool more possession: Luis Díaz and Ryan Gravenberch came in for Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones. However, the Reds had more time on the ball overall, but they still had few and far between opportunities.

Just before the 70-minute mark, Rodri appealed for a handball by Gravenberch inside the area, even though replays clearly showed the ball had made touch with the Dutchman’s thigh. City believed they should have extended their lead twice in rapid succession. After just three minutes, Rúben Dias’ tap-in from the back was disallowed due to what appeared to be a foul by Manuel Akanji on Alisson during the build-up.

After two close opportunities for the home team, Trent Alexander-Arnold equalized the score with a magnificent curling finish with ten minutes remaining in regulation time. Mohamed Salah had set him up on the outskirts of the box.

Alisson appeared to have a hamstring injury in the final eight minutes of stoppage time, but when Klopp made all five of his substitutes, the Brazilian had little choice but to play on as the Reds managed a decent draw against the top-seeded team.

Midweek is Manchester City’s visit to the Etihad Stadium as they prepare to entertain Tottenham Hotspur the following weekend. On Thursday, Liverpool will host LASK at Anfield before Fulham travels to Merseyside.