A game that had everything except a crescendo - and maybe some accuracy. As high as the standards to this rivalry have been over Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool, there was a symbolism in how it was error that characterised another otherwise brilliant match against Manchester City. Liverpool lost John Stones for the first goal before a misplaced Nathan Ake pass gave up the equaliser, as so many chances were missed.
That may actually be better for the title race, since imperfection tends to produce much more drama than perfection. This 1-1 draw was certainly best for Arsenal, who stay top of the league on goal difference.
Such margins reflect how this game itself had echoes from then high ceilings of the first Liverpool-City title race in 2018-19, as there were so many near misses that may yet bring this down to mere millimetres again.
There was still the sense that Liverpool will feel they deserved more than the draw, although they can take considerable confidence from how a depleted side took it to City. Follow live reaction from Liverpool vs Manchester City below and get the latest match odds here.