Heavyweights Manchester City and Liverpool refuse to give an inch in fight for Premier League title

MANCHESTER: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

The words of Muhammad Ali could not be more apt following another titanic tussle between Manchester City and Liverpool in a fascinating Premier League title race that still remains in the balance.

An enthralling 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday left Pep Guardiola’s men with their one-point advantage at the top intact with just seven games remaining.

With the same dramatic outcome in both this season’s league encounters, it highlighted again how closely matched the rivals are in quality and mindset.

Neither could afford to lose this match, yet this was a game played with astonishing risk and even reckless abandon.

Such was the ferocity from both teams in a fearless and aggressive approach, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called it a “boxing fight.”

“Both arms down for a second and you get a massive knock,” he said. “You can shake a bit and then the next knock is coming from the other team.”

Guardiola added: “I was watching the punches, we attack, they attack, with our weapons.”

In their 50th Premier League meeting, it was another no-holds barred contest between two of the greatest clubs ever to grace the game.

Their styles and success will define this era like others have done before. It is a battle for the ages — one to stand alongside the most revered and respected rivalries in world, not just English, football.

They have set a high benchmark over the past four seasons by playing to their strengths with a combination of confidence and class. It is a belief in their talent and trust in their methods.

Klopp called them “two heavyweights, chomping at each other” and this was their own “Rumble in the Jungle” or “Thrilla