Liverpool’s journey to the Etihad Stadium, perhaps the most important match on the Premier League calendar, would put Jürgen Klopp’s side in contention to overtake Manchester City atop the league standings.

Jérémy Doku sprang into life in the opening stages for Manchester City fans, with the Belgian international strongly involved on the left wing as he looked to make life difficult for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

And when Alisson’s clumsy clearing was played straight to Phil Foden after only twelve minutes, it appeared that the visiting fans were in for a long afternoon. To their relief, Foden’s attempt was low and straight into the arms of the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Manchester City took the lead just before the half-hour mark, with Erling Haaland capitalizing on another Alisson error. In search of 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.

Liverpool had chances of their own, but Darwin Nez was unable to threaten Ederson’s clean sheet. After having an effort saved by the home goalie, he could only find the side netting after Dominik Szoboszlai’s excellent tee-up.

The second half, however, would tell a much different story, with the hosts squandering clear-cut chances, with Doku’s ball through for Julian lvarez blazing over the bar.

Jürgen Klopp’s tactical adjustments would give Liverpool a greater share of possession, with Luis Daz and Ryan Gravenberch replacing Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones in the 54th minute. Despite having more time on the ball, the Reds’ chances were few and far between.

Rodri felt City should have extended their advantage twice in short succession just before the 70-minute mark, with replays clearly suggesting the ball had made touch with Gravenberch’s thigh. Only three minutes later, Rben Dias’ back-post tap-in was ruled off for an apparent foul on Alisson by Manuel Akanji in the buildup.

Two near-misses for the hosts injected some urgency into Liverpool’s assault, and Trent Alexander-Arnold restored parity with a superb curling finish after being teed up on the edge of the box by Mohamed Salah.

Eight minutes of stoppage time saw Alisson pull up with an apparent hamstring injury, but with all five of Klopp’s substitutes made, the Brazilian was obliged to continue as the Reds earned a point against the league toppers.

Manchester City hosts RB Leipzig in midweek before playing Tottenham Hotspur the following weekend. Liverpool host LASK at Anfield on Thursday, before Fulham travel north to Merseyside.