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Football must go on, that’s what he would have wanted.  This was the call echoed around the footballing world following the tragic news of Gary Speed’s death.  Kenny Dalglish pulled Craig Bellamy from the match-day squad, a decision backed and respected by all.  The match held a minutes silence for both Gary Speed and Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones’ son Luca, who lost his battle to leukemia.

The Reds would fight on, however, as they had to.  Manchester City, high-flying, free-scoring table toppers, led by Sergio Aguero and a keeper in fine form.  Liverpool would see the return of Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson following their absence from the starting line-up last weekend against Chelsea.  Luis Suarez would lead the line ahead of Jordan Henderson and Dirk Kuyt.  It was lined up to be a cracker, with Manchester City coming off the back of a Champions League loss and the Reds coming off a huge win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.  And a cracker it would prove to be.

The first half was arguably the loudest the Kop had been all season, with Anfield’s 12th man spurring the Reds on, and it worked for the most part.  Manchester City would strike first however, with Vincent Kompany latching on to a corner.  Kompany lost his mark, Dirk Kuyt, and though he missed the true header, his shoulder did the work putting the ball into the far corner.  It wouldn’t take long for the Reds to respond, though, and their goal may have had a major hint of luck.

Charlie Adam picked up the ball in midfield and lined up a shot, and though it seemed corner-flag bound, Joleon Lescott showed a sense of panic as Kuyt was lurking just behind him.  The former-Everton defender kicked a leg out at the shot sending it into the back corner, levelling the match at 1-1.  A hint of luck, yes, but they say you won’t score unless you take your shots.

The second-half started off rather lethargic for the Reds, with the Anfield faithful having to endure a strong bout of City attack.  That would all change, however, the longer the match drew on, as City’s men began to show tired legs following their Champions League outing last week.  Liverpool would claw back into the game and begin to take a strong hold, and it looked as if there would only be one outcome during Liverpool’s relentless onslaught on goal.  City can be thankful for Joe Hart, though, as the England no. 1 left made numerous “statement saves”, thwarting Stewart Downing, Martin Skrtel, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll on 93 minutes to keep City’s unbeaten run intact.

For City, they will walk away with a sense of pride, as can Liverpool.  Though it was the Reds fourth consecutive draw at home this season, the Reds held City at bay, something Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United could not.  It was arguably their best performance save the Chelsea match last weekend, and one they can surely take confidence into tomorrows game at Chelsea.  Liverpool will surely rotate their squad for the match to keep legs fresh and avoid any burnout, but the form Liverpool find themselves in this side of the international break is a threatening one.  The goals will come, and when they do, the title race may just have one more valiant runner.

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