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#3 The first half intensity dissipated after the restart
The way both teams played for the initial 45 minutes, despite the downpour in Manchester tonight, promised an action-packed second half. However, the fans were left disappointed as chances were scarce for either side in the second half.
The game got off to a great start with Liverpool's fearsome quartet of Salah, Mane, Firmino, and Jota in the limelight. The visitors attacked in numbers and a poor challenge from Walker on Mane handed Liverpool a penalty in the 13th minute, which Salah confidently dispatched into the back of the net.
Manchester City's response to the goal was not immediate but the way they were moving the ball it was only a matter of time before they found the equaliser. The home side finally got one in the 31st minute, through Gabriel Jesus. Just 10 minutes later, City could've gone ahead but De Bruyne missed from the spot and the first half came to an end.
Though City dominated the possession in the second half, they failed to move into dangerous positions. Nonetheless, they had the best chance of the half when Joao Cancelo's lobbed pass found Jesus with ample time and space in the Liverpool box only for him to head it way off target.
#2 Joel Matip stars on return from injury
Virgil Van Dijk's absence at the heart of the defense for the next few months will be a huge headache for Jurgen Klopp. However, the return of Joel Matip to the squad and his impressive performance tonight provides Liverpool with a glimmer of hope that they will not be handicapped in the defensive department.
No Liverpool player made more clearances, tackles, or interceptions than Matip tonight. The Cameroon international made three tackles, three clearances, and an interception. Impressively, not a single Manchester City player managed to dribble past the former Schalke defender. The Reds are now unbeaten in 32 league games when the centre-back has started, with their last defeat coming back in January 2018.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne's penalty miss turned out to be a costly mistake for Manchester City
Manchester City were handed a golden opportunity to grab a precious one-goal lead in the first half when VAR awarded them a penalty in the 42nd minute after Kevin De Bruyne's cross hit Gomez on the arm. Having equalised in the 31st minute, the penalty just 11 minutes later came as a blessing for them.
De Bruyne, who bagged the assist for Gabriel Jesus' equaliser stepped up to take the penalty but missed from the spot. The midfielder sent Alisson the wrong way but watched on in despair as his shot went inches wide of the left post.
The Belgian also had four shots off-target in the match, as he tried his luck from distance on numerous occasions. More surprisingly, De Bruyne had a poor pass completion rate of 76 percent. An unusually sloppy performance from a player known for his composed distribution.
Also Read: Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Bayern Munich: 5 Talking points | Bundesliga 2020-21
