Liverpool and Manchester City 's Premier League title showdown at the Etihad was always destined to be a tactical battle.
The two sides have been at the centre of a growing rivalry at the top of the table in recent years and generally been head and shoulders above their other Premier League opponents. The stakes were higher than ever as Liverpool looked to leapfrog Pep Guardiola 's side at the top of the table.
Before the game, Gary Neville outlined a key new element to Jurgen Klopp 's side which he has not had the luxury of unleashing against Manchester City and Chelsea so far this season - his ideal midfield partnership. Thiago Alcantara was fit to start alongside Fabinho in the middle of the park, the first time they have ever played in midfield together against City.
"One player who hasn't played against City or Chelsea this season is Thiago," Neville said on Sky Sports ahead of the game. "His role with Fabinho since he came into the team - they've started 12 games together - and they've won 12 out of 12.
"He adds something Liverpool haven't had over the years. He can compete with a Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne in terms of on the ball. It'll be interesting to see his role today."
And it took less than 20 minutes for Neville's comments on Thiago's importance to be proved right. After falling behind to a Kevin De Bruyne strike, it was Thiago who calmly switched the play to start a Reds attack, culminating in a Diogo Jota equaliser.
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Neville's fellow co-commentator, Jamie Carragher, was quick to point out the key role of Thiago in the goal. He outlined the impact of the Spaniard in nullifying City's press and enabling the goal to happen.
“Thiago in the middle of the pitch is fantastic,” Carragher said. “That switch of play, really took the press out of the game.”
Whilst he has had an injury-plagued time at Liverpool, Thiago's importance has become crystal clear in Klopp's side. It has become clear that with the 30-year-old alongside Fabinho, the Reds are a different side to with other partnerships.
The hosts learnt that the hard way in the first half of their huge clash as Liverpool pegged them back. But despite Thiago's role in the goal, Gabriel Jesus ensured Manchester City went in 2-1 ahead and seized the upper hand. However, Mo Salah set up Sadio Mane just moments after the break as the points ended up shared with a 2-2 draw leaving the Premier League title race delicately poised.
