Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in a crucial top-four clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
Premier League, Etihad
March 19, 2017
Goals: Milner (pen) 51′, Aguero 69′
Liverpool needed to pick up a victory to keep their hopes of a top-four finish alive and it was a feisty affair from the off.
Roberto Firmino was named in the starting lineup despite doubts over his fitness and Ragnar Klavan retained his place at centre-back.
It was City who started off brighter but Liverpool grew into the game and they had several chances to take the lead in the first half.
The second half was even more open than the first but it was Liverpool who broke the deadlock when Firmino was brought down in the box and awarded a penalty.
James Milner cooly dispatched to give Liverpool a slim lead but City pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded when Sergio Aguero slotted the ball past Simon Mignolet with less than half an hour to go.
Fans were relieved to see Firmino in the starting line-up…
Bobby starts! ?? #LFC
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) March 19, 2017
Huge relief to see Firmino starting!
— JÜRGENS ARMY (@lfcarmy1892) March 19, 2017
FIRMINO STARTING, YES
— The Jerry James Show (@jerryjamesshow) March 19, 2017
There were a few questionable decisions from Michael Oliver…
Got our work cut out with Michael oliver. Two pens, one Red & firmino gets a yellow for winning ball back
— Dean McGinley (@DMcGin75) March 19, 2017
“2 clear pens, one red worthy challenge by Toure and an elbow against Matip…refs again on their way to decide a game..”
– PJ POP on the forums.
https://twitter.com/ByChrisSmith/status/843507564180656129
But he did eventually give Liverpool a penalty and fans were ecstatic when Milner converted it…
Class by Milner.
— Peter Harvey (@peterjharvey) March 19, 2017
James Milner scores #LFC 500th penalty in all competitive competitions since 1892. #LFC
— Carl Clemente (@clemente_carl) March 19, 2017
Lallana should have made it 2-1 but he missed an absolute sitter…
How can he miss that!
— Ally (@AllyLfc) March 19, 2017
“Basically, had Lallana fallen down in the path of the ball, that ball would have gone in. I’ll be shaking my head till the end of the season…”
– Norse Dweller on the forums.
Just wow
— Hayley W ? ? ?? (@Hayley_LFC) March 19, 2017
Despite several chances to score the winner, Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw…
Just crawling down from the ceiling after that Adam Lallana miss, how Adam…………how ?
— Ricky (@RickyMann4) March 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/tedthered77/status/843530227708035077
“I’ll take the draw..”
– DP on the forums.
“Good battle. It was the perfect game to see where we need strengthening.”
– Jon Hamm on Facebook.
Would've taken a point before kick off, but you can't help feel disappointed after that Lallana miss. Such an end to end game.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) March 19, 2017
Happy with a point away at #MCFC, especially given it could have ended 6-6! Our record against the top teams this season is incredible.
— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) March 19, 2017
“I would have taken a point at the start of the game. Both sides missed a few chances they should have stuck away but hey, a point and we move onto the derby match against Everton.”
– James Hoult on Facebook.
“Fair result tbh, City didn’t deserve to lose too. A point at the Etihad is always a good point..”
– Mohammed Bouali on the forums.
https://twitter.com/Eathen_1892/status/843530114466037760
Cant pick between Gini or Emre as MotM, both showed a bit of everything today
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) March 19, 2017
A draw away from home against a strong side missing Henderson, Sturridge, Lovren just back etc. Will take that. Top four very realistic now.
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) March 19, 2017
You can't be to disappointed with the draw LFC, played really well, but as I have said we desperately need a quality striker
— Tom Keegan (@redmedic56) March 19, 2017
“What a game and yes I’ll take the point. I have to admit I was nervous for the last ten minutes. I think I’m still getting my breath back now. The scoreline for both teams could have been much more though..”
– Chris on the forums.
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
Fan Comments