Erling Haaland’s 50th Premier League goal was negated by Trent Alexander-Arnold on Saturday, allowing Liverpool to draw with title rivals and champions Manchester City. Ten minutes into a close match at the Etihad Stadium, the England international scored after Haaland’s historic goal appeared to extend City’s record home winning streak. Everton’s visit to City on New Year’s Eve last December started a run of 23 victories for the club in all competitions at home. Alexander-Arnold’s late equalizer also saved goalie Alisson Becker’s blushes. Becker had a rough day after giving up Haaland’s opening goal and making multiple other mistakes.
In just 48 appearances, Haaland set a new record by scoring in the 27th minute to reach his half-century of goals in the competition. He had shown no mercy.
Alisson appeared lethargic right away in Brazil’s contentious Wednesday night match against Argentina in Rio. When he gave the ball away, he gave Phil Foden an early opportunity, but the England midfielder shot weakly.
Darwin Nunez’s header was saved by Ederson at the other end, but Alisson had another nervous moment when he stumbled on a back pass and had to scramble clear while Haaland was pressing him.
When he made another mistake, Haaland saw to it that he was punished. Initially, when Alisson tried to send the ball upfield, he slipped and only found Nathan Ake, who bounded past a few feeble challenges to feed Haaland. Even though the Norwegian’s shot was slightly crooked, Alisson’s feeble hand was unable to stop it from reaching the bottom corner. Liverpool replied through a close-range shot from Nunez, but the visitors were unable to trouble City on a regular basis. Before the half, the champions made another threat, but Alisson saved a weak attempt from Foden.
Following the break, Jeremy Doku’s excellent work saw Julian Alvarez blow a chance to give City another chance. Ederson was unconcerned by Virgil Van Dijk’s header from a corner as Liverpool failed to generate a significant threat. After yet another howler, Alisson received a significant reprieve. Under minimal visible pressure, the Brazilian spilt the ball from a corner, and Ruben Dias poked in, but Manuel Akanji’s foul disallowed the goal. Liverpool took full advantage of the let-off as Alexander-Arnold’s excellent goal on minute 80 pulled them even.
After receiving a pass from Mohamed Salah on the edge of the box, the England player took a touch and fired a cross-goal effort into the bottom corner. In front of the City supporters, he celebrated by putting his finger to his lips.
With Alisson—who looked to be hurt—struggling to clear his lines, City put on a lot of late pressure.
In the eighth and final minute of stoppage time, Haaland had a chance to win the game, but his glancing header went just wide.