SANE STRIKES TO GIVE CITY A VITAL VICTORY
Leroy Sane grabbed the winner as champions Manchester City reignited the title race with a tense 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The German settled a frantic contest in the 72nd minute at the Etihad Stadium, moments after Roberto Firmino had cancelled out Sergio Aguero’s first-half opener.
Liverpool, whose lead at the top was cut to four points, had themselves been unlucky not to take the lead when John Stones made a remarkable clearance off the line early on.
Goalline technology ruled in City’s favour by mere milimetres on that occasion while the visitors might also argue Vincent Kompany could have been sent off.
Stones played his teammate into trouble and Kompany was reckless as he dived in on Salah but he escaped with a booking.
Yet it was Pep Guardiola’s side who held their nerve after losing three of their previous five games, denying the Reds a win that would have seen them race 10 points ahead.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp felt his side should have finished the game playing against 10 men.
He said: “I really like Vincent Kompany. But how on earth was it not a red card?
“He’s the last man and if he hits Mo (Salah) more, he’s out for the season.
“He knows Mo is that quick that if he gets the ball, he’s through so he takes the risk. I don’t know if the referee saw it.
“It was a very intense game for both teams and we were unlucky with our finishing. We could’ve drawn, we could’ve won it. We lost, but it’s not the biggest problem.”
City manager Pep Guardiola was delighted.
He said: “The game was a real game for both sides.
“We were outstanding from the first minute and I’m happy with this victory and close the gap against Liverpool and be back in second in the table.
“We need Sergio in this kind of game. The finish was incredible.
“It was important we played with courage in our game and we were aggressive in our pressing.
“Losing (title) was almost done, 10 points with the goal difference is like 11 points and difficult to turn this around. (We are) four points behind and they are the leaders and we still have to fight a lot.”