The left-back and goalkeeper combined to gift the Reds a way back and Pep Guardiola's side were fortunate to escape with a point
Manchester City conjured a clever goal straight from the training ground but then were masters of their own downfall and ended their top-of-the-table showdown with Liverpool clinging on for dear life in Sunday's 1-1 draw.
City struck first as Kevin De Bruyne crafted an artful goal for John Stones, but having made it to half-time on course for a first win at Anfield – with fans – since 2003, Pep Guardiola's side surrendered their advantage right after half-time with a sloppy pass back from Nathan Ake which led to Ederson toppling Darwin Nunez. Alexis Mac Allister scored from the spot and it was one way traffic from then on, with City hanging on for dear life.
Substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega played his part in keeping Liverpool at bay, although Jeremy Doku almost snatched what would have been a barely deserved victory for City when he hit the post. The Belgian was then fortunate not to give away a penalty in stoppage-time for a high foot on Mac Allister.
The champions will be happier with the point than the Reds given how the game panned out, but looking at the staring line-ups and Liverpool's litany of injuries, it looks like a big chance missed for City to end their Anfield hoodoo and make a statement in the title race.
GOAL rates Man City's players from Anfield…
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Ederson (4/10):
Panicked when Nunez burst through and was too late to stop him. Got injured amid the challenge and forced off.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Swept up all the danger down his side and had a thrilling battle with Diaz in the second half, losing control of him on occasion but then making amends.
John Stones (6/10):
Excellent movement for the goal. Could not dictate the game as he likes to from midfield but defended well.
Manuel Akanji (5/10):
Came under a lot of pressure but coped with it well.
Nathan Ake (4/10):
Gave Ederson a hospital pass which led to the penalty. Got turned by Bradley in the first half.
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Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Couldn't weave much magic but demonstrated his willingness to defend and run himself into the ground.
Rodri (6/10):
Lacked his usual authority but just about held the midfield together.
Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):
A moment of genius for the opening goal but couldn't influence the game as usual and his final ball was often lacking. Furious when he was taken off.
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Phil Foden (5/10):
A comedown from his Manchester derby masterclass, struggling to find space for himself or others. Kelleher got the better of him in a one-v-one. Hit the bar but it wouldn't have counted.
Erling Haaland (6/10):
Had some good hold-up play. Drew a race with Van Dijk but had few other shooting chances.
Julian Alvarez (5/10):
Acted as a workhorse but couldn't have a big impact.
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Stefan Ortega (7/10):
Kept City in the game with a series of brave and acrobatic saves.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Gave City an extra foothold in midfield but couldn't turn the tide.
Jeremy Doku (7/10):
Quiet until he almost won the game with a darting run down the left and shot off the inside of the post.
Pep Guardiola (5/10):
Given Liverpool's injuries, his side had a glorious chance to win, but in the end were grateful for the point.