At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City initially thought they had solidified their lead over Liverpool with Ruben Dias’ apparent goal. However, the joy was short-lived as Manuel Akanji found himself penalized for a foul on Alisson Becker during the goal’s build-up. Dermot Gallagher, a former Premier League referee, defended the decision, asserting that Akanji’s slight contact disrupted the goalkeeper’s balance, justifying the foul call.
While some City supporters contested the ruling, Gallagher emphasized the vulnerability of goalkeepers and how even minor disturbances could impact their ability to secure the ball. The VAR review upheld the decision, nullifying Dias’ goal and denying City a 2-0 advantage. This turn of events shifted the momentum, allowing Liverpool to mount a comeback.
Despite Erling Haaland’s earlier goal giving City a potential 70-minute lead, Liverpool managed to level the score, with Trent Alexander-Arnold finding the net late in the game. The draw meant that City, initially at the top of the Premier League, slipped to second place following Arsenal’s subsequent victory against Brentford.
Pep Guardiola’s team faced a busy schedule, with a Champions League clash against RB Leipzig and an upcoming Premier League match against Tottenham. The fluctuating fortunes in the league highlighted the competitiveness of the season, with each result significantly impacting the standings. As City navigated these challenges, the disallowed goal and subsequent draw against Liverpool became pivotal moments in their pursuit of Premier League success.
City’s rollercoaster continued as they aimed to regain their footing domestically while also competing in European competitions. The fine margins of decisions, as exemplified by Akanji’s foul on Alisson, underscored the delicate balance that can determine outcomes in high-stakes football matches.
