Liverpool, City in Anfield stalemate, Hazard lifts Chelsea
LONDON — Premier League title favourites Liverpool and Manchester City can usually be relied on to provide open and expansive games with goals aplenty. Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Anfield, however, was a drab affair that only came to life in the closing stages.
City substitute Leroy Sane was sent sprawling by Virgil van Dijk with five minutes remaining and, just when it seemed as though the visitors might snatch victory, Riyad Mahrez sent his penalty sailing way over the crossbar.
It was the former Leicester forward’s third penalty miss in six attempts and summed up a match that failed to live up to expectations.
“He had the courage to take the penalty, in training he shoots perfect penalties, but sometimes it happens,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “Last season we lost here, and this season we drew, maybe next season we will win.”