A missed penalty by the Algerian Riyad Mahrez four minutes from the end prevented the comeback against Manchester City’s West Ham (2-2), who dropped two points at the London stadium and revived somewhat the fight for the title of the Premier.
The tie encourages Liverpool although success continues in the hands of the Spanish team Pep Guardiola who will receive Aston Villa on the last day. However, he could have left the goal sentenced with a victory that eluded him. Now Liverpool, after winning the FA Cup on Saturday, can move within a point if they win at Southampton on Tuesday and take the season finale to the final date next weekend.
City found themselves in a trick game against an opponent seeking a European goal, a Europa League place and who moved into a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to a brace from Jarrod Bowen. The first in the 24th minute to a pass from the Spanish Pablo Fornals. The second, in minute 45 after receiving a ball from Michael Antonio.
Guardiola’s team started in a different way after the intermission. He brazenly cornered West Ham and pulled one back in the 49th through Jack Grealish after a Rodri header.
He found the equalizer in the 69th minute although he was able to sentence the local team before in two clear opportunities by Bowen. The equalizer came from a lateral foul executed by Mahrez who sent the ball into the box. Vladimir Coufal, in a clearance attempt, headed the ball into the net.
City had the victory in hand in a foul by Dawson on Gabriel Jesús that the referee reviewed in the VAR and that led to a penalty. He launched Mahrez and stopped the Polish Lukasz Fabianski to avoid the victory of the leader.
City can be champions on Tuesday without playing if Liverpool lose against Southampton in their match on matchday thirty-seven, although if there is a draw the title would already be virtual. If the reds add the three points, everything will be decided on the final date, next weekend.
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