Pl: Liverpool’s frustrating draw against Man City leaves Arsenal on top

Liverpool and Manchester City drew 1-1 in their title clash, leaving Arsenal as Premier League leaders.

John Stones’ first-half volley gave City the lead, but Alexis MacAllister equalised with a penalty shortly after the break at Anfield.

The outcome was precisely what Arsenal desired, as the Gunners held top place, a position they secured with Kai Havertz’s late header sealing a thrilling 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday.

Arsenal leads second-placed Liverpool by a goal differential of +7, while champions City are one point behind the top two, with all three teams having 10 games remaining.

In a title battle to remember, Arsenal will travel to City for a possibly crucial match on March 31.

In the 23rd minute, City scored their first goal at Anfield thanks to a superb set piece routine.

Kevin De Bruyne sent in a low corner, which Stones finished close to the near post.

Liverpool equalized in the 50th minute after City defender Nathan Ake attempted a suicide back-pass, which Darwin Nunez intercepted.

Ederson, the City goalkeeper, rushed off his line in a desperate attempt to avert the danger, but only managed to catch Nunez with a reckless lunge.

Mac Allister calmly stroked the spot-kick past Ederson, and in a frenzied finish, City’s Jeremy Doku hit the post before escaping another penalty appeal for a high challenge on Liverpool’s striker.

Jurgen Klopp’s final top-flight encounter with City manager Pep Guardiola was made much more significant by his shock declaration that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

After fighting for supremacy throughout their reigns, it was natural that Klopp embraced Guardiola at the final whistle of a match that left the title’s fate in the balance.

AFP