Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes are no longer in their own hands after they were held to a 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Manchester City.
The Reds had a chance to move two points clear in the race for the silverware - yet remain a point behind the current champions with eight games remaining.
The game did live up to all expectations, though, and three goals were scored in the first half.
City took the lead after just five minutes when Kevin De Bruyne’s long-range effort found the far corner via a deflection.
But Liverpool were back into the game just eight minutes later through Diogo Jota’s 21st goal of the season.
However, it would be Guardiola’s side who’d get on the front foot and deserved to go ahead through Gabriel Jesus.
The drama would continue just 47 seconds into the second half. Liverpool would again equalise - this time through Sadio Mane.
City would be denied the advantage for the third time when Raheem Sterling had a goal chalked off for offside following a VAR review.
There’d be no late drama and Liverpool now need their long-time rivals to slip up in the home straight of the season - and must then take advantage.
The heroes
Kevin De Bruyne: absolutely ran the show for City in the engine room. Caused so many problems and deserved his goal.
Gabriel Jesus: Pep Guardiola’s decision to hand the Brazilian attacker a surprise start paid off. He notched a fifth goal in seven games against Liverpool.
Sadio Mane: not really involved in the first half but far better after the break. Showed plenty of composure for his goal and linked well with Mo Salah.
The villains
Fabinho: poor throughout. The Liverpool midfielder was well off the pace and culpable for City’s opener with two mistakes.
Jordan Henderson: couldn’t get involved as he would have liked. Clearly frustrated with his performance given his reaction when subbed.
Riyad Mahrez: spurned a huge chance at the death to win it for City.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool player ratings.
1. Alisson Becker - 6
Made a fine save before City’s opening goal. But was shaky in possession at times and poor pass put Liverpool under pressure before the home side’s second goal. Wasn’t called into action too much in the second half. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6
Fine assist for Jota’s equaliser. However, was put under immense pressure defensively in the first half. Played Jesus onside and didn’t go with the Brazilian for City’s second goal. Saw more of the ball in the second period. | Getty Images Photo: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
3. Joel Matip - 6
Couldn’t do anything with deflection for De Bruyne’s strike. But was unsettled on the ball in the first half. Looked more assured in the second half and made a couple of decent blocks. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images Photo: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
4. Virgil van Dijk - 6
Got into a mix-up with Alisson which led to a City penalty shout. Meek headed clearances before the opening goal contributed and was nervous in first half. Well placed to block a goal-bound Jesus effort on the hour mark. However, caught on his toes for Sterling’s disallowed goal. Booked when stopping the breaking De Bruyne. late on. Photo: Getty Images