Arne Slot and Liverpool don't have to worry about John Stones next Sunday during the Premier League showdown at Manchester City's ground. Erling Haaland's participation is uncertain.
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Manchester City’s highly anticipated clash against Liverpool ended in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium, a result that keeps the title race wide open as the season enters a decisive phase.
Both teams showed intensity and quality, with City taking the lead before Liverpool fought back to secure a point in a match that once again showcased the dominance of these two teams in English football over the past few years.
Before the match, Pep Guardiola addressed the media in Friday’s press conference, providing key injury updates on John Stones and Erling Haaland, two players whose availability was in doubt ahead of this crucial fixture. The Spanish manager confirmed that Stones would be unavailable and would be sidelined for a prolonged period due to a complicated injury. Guardiola stated that while the full extent of the injury was still unknown, the following hours or days would determine whether the defender required surgery, similar to Manuel Akanji. Losing Stones is a significant blow for City, particularly given his ability to step into midfield and contribute to the team’s build-up play, a crucial element of Guardiola’s tactical system. According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, the expected recovery time is two to three months, meaning City will have to adapt without him. Stones had already shown signs of discomfort during the Champions League clash against Real Madrid, where he had to be substituted early, with Nathan Aké stepping in as his replacement.
Guardiola had more positive news regarding Erling Haaland, as the Norwegian striker, who missed the midweek trip to Madrid, had a chance of returning in time for the Liverpool game. Guardiola admitted that a final decision would only be made after training the following day, but he did not hide Haaland’s importance to the squad, emphasizing that City is a far stronger team when their prolific forward is on the pitch.
Despite the injury concerns, Guardiola set his team up for a high-intensity battle against Liverpool. The game started at a relentless pace, with both sides pushing forward aggressively. City struck first, capitalizing on a well-constructed move orchestrated by the midfield. Kevin De Bruyne, once again proving his world-class ability, delivered a pinpoint assist for the opening goal, sending the Etihad into celebration. City looked in control early on, maintaining possession and limiting Liverpool’s attacking opportunities.
However, as has often been the case under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool found a way back into the game. The visitors gradually grew into the match, increasing their attacking presence and forcing City to defend deeper. Their persistence paid off in the second half, as they equalized through a well-worked move. Mohamed Salah, a constant threat, played a crucial role in setting up the goal, ensuring that Liverpool walked away with a valuable point from Manchester.
In recent years, City vs. Liverpool has often been a defining fixture in the Premier League title race, with both teams pushing each other to unprecedented levels. However, this season presents a slightly different picture. Despite winning four consecutive league titles, City has struggled for consistency and finds itself trailing in the standings. Meanwhile, Liverpool currently leads the table, locked in a battle with Arsenal for the top spot.
After the match, Guardiola acknowledged Liverpool’s strength, praising their consistency and resilience. "They are just as consistent as they were under Jürgen Klopp, so they deserve to fight for the title with Arsenal. This was a great test for us," said the City boss.
The 1-1 draw keeps Liverpool at the top of the table, while City remains in pursuit, needing to find momentum in the coming weeks. With several crucial fixtures ahead, Guardiola will have to manage his squad carefully, particularly with key defensive players sidelined. On the other hand, Liverpool will take confidence from their performance, proving once again that they can compete at the highest level and maintain their title challenge until the very end.
Updated: 04:07, 21 Feb 2025
