Kevin de Bruyne has claimed that he felt Manchester City had the ‘upper hand’ during their 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, as he told Sky Sports.
Like two heavyweight boxers throwing blow after blow during the early passages of the fight, this Premier League title showdown did quietly whittle down to a point apiece for Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp towards the end of the game.
Given that Man City took the lead on two occasions, they are the ones who will be kicking themselves the most after the full-time whistle, especially given that Riyad Mahrez had a guilt-edge chance to score in stoppage-time.
But, in the end, like the reverse fixture back in October, it was an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Etihad.
After the full-time whistle, this is the message de Bruyne sent regarding today’s game.
“It was hard and, to be fair, I think we played excellently,” said de Bruyne. “I know we conceded two goals, but the way we played today, was very good and we should score more.
“I think it should have (been more at HT). But we were still winning. The way the second half started was disappointing. I think we created enough chances to win the game. But it didn’t happen.
“I think we played very well and I think we had the upper hand today. We didn’t win, that can happen, but this is how we need to play for the rest of the games.”
The current Premier League table-toppers were the better team during the first period, but the Merseyside chasers came fighting back in the second.
What will perhaps annoy the current champions the most is the fact that they took the lead on two occasions.
But that’s the quality that both teams have in their locker that they can’t even be separated when out on the pitch.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if, come next week, ahead of their FA Cup clash, the game goes to extra-time because they are just cancelling each other out at nearly every moment.
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