Manchester City and Liverpool play out pulsating draw to keep Premier League title race in the balance

By Ben Morse, CNN

Updated 1744 GMT (0144 HKT) April 10, 2022

Manchester City's French defender Aymeric Laporte tackles Liverpool's Portuguese striker Diogo Jota during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool.

(CNN)The Premier League title race remains nip and tuck after Manchester City and Liverpool played out a pulsating 2-2 draw on Sunday in Manchester.

City took the lead in the first five minutes when Kevin De Bruyne's deflected shot flew past a despairing Alisson in goal. But Liverpool bit back soon after, with Diogo Jota tapping home from close range. And in an pulsating first-half, Gabriel Jesus tapped Manchester City back into the lead only for Sadio Mane to equalize 47 seconds after half-time. The draw means City have a one-point lead over Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with just seven games remaining of the season. De Bruyne celebrates scoring the opening goal against Liverpool.Read MoreEnthralling battleFrom the first whistle, it was an enthralling battle at the Etihad Stadium. Two of the most entertaining teams in Europe are both in excellent form and coached by two of the best managers in the world. With a powder keg of an atmosphere, it seemed both teams fed off that energy — with each preferring attack over defense. And Manchester City landed the first punch of the afternoon, Belgium midfielder De Bruyne's strike from the edge of the area deflecting into the Liverpool goal to the delight of the home fans. Just when City were looking to build a head of steam, Liverpool hit straight back, Jota tapping home after a delicate pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jota celebrates after scoring against Manchester City.But, showing its champion pedigree, City once again struck back