Manchester City's quest for another Premier League title hit a hurdle as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in a closely contested match at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland's milestone goal gave City the lead, but Trent Alexander-Arnold's equalizer ensured that the match ended in a stalemate.

The game started with a bang as Haaland scored his 50th Premier League goal in just 48 games, surpassing the existing record by a remarkable 17 games. The forward's prolific scoring rate has been a standout feature of his young career, solidifying his status as one of the league's most lethal strikers.

Liverpool responded admirably, with Alexander-Arnold showcasing his versatility by not only excelling in defense but also making crucial contributions in attack. The Englishman's late equalizer salvaged a point for his team and demonstrated why he is considered an invaluable asset for both Liverpool and the national team.

The result leaves Manchester City at the top of the table, but their lead is now just one point over Liverpool. The upcoming fixtures promise to be challenging for City, as they face Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in their next two matches. Meanwhile, Liverpool's strong performance against the reigning champions underlines their determination to mount a serious title challenge this season.

Liverpool's goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, had a mixed game, committing a couple of errors that led to City's opening goal. However, he also made important saves and was unfortunate not to have claimed Ruben Dias' disallowed goal. Furthermore, Alisson's struggles were compounded by a visible leg injury towards the end of the game, which may be a concern for Liverpool moving forward.

Despite the result, both teams showcased their strengths and the match was far from one-sided. Manchester City's Bernardo Silva put in an impressive performance, operating in a central midfield role and controlling the game with his vision and passing ability. His versatility and adaptability have been crucial for Pep Guardiola's side throughout the season.

The closely contested affair featured cagey play, with both teams showing a desire to limit the opposition's scoring opportunities. Jürgen Klopp's concerns about the early kick-off time impacting the quality of the game seemed to have some merit, as the match lacked the fluidity and high-scoring nature often associated with clashes between these two teams. Nonetheless, it served as a strategic battle, highlighting the tactical ingenuity of both managers.

Looking ahead, Manchester City's focus now shifts to their upcoming Champions League clash against RB Leipzig before facing Tottenham in the Premier League. Liverpool, on the other hand, will be looking to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League when they take on LASK, followed by a Premier League encounter against Fulham.

As the Premier League season unfolds, the title race is shaping up to be highly competitive, with both Manchester City and Liverpool proving that they have what it takes to challenge for the coveted trophy.