Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne helped Manchester City earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool with the defending Premier League champions coming back from behind twice in the second half to earn a crucial point at Anfield on Sunday.

A second half of high quality saw the winners of the last two Premier League titles score two goals each after Rodri made a late intervention to prevent Fabinho scoring a winner for Liverpool.

Sadio Mane had put Liverpool ahead before Phil Foden equalised only for Mohamed Salah to restore the home side’s advantage with a wonderful solo goal. But Kevin De Bruyne’s 81st-minute equaliser ensured the teams shared the points and left Liverpool in second place on 15 points, one behind leaders Chelsea.

SALAH BRILLIANCE NOT ENOUGH FOR REDS

It was Salah’s work that created the opening goal in the 59th minute. Receiving the ball inside his own half, the Egypt forward brushed off João Cancelo’s heart-hearted attempt at a challenge and drove forward as Aymeric Laporte backed off.

Sadio Mane arrived in the penalty area to receive the ball slipped in by Salah and he struck across goalkeeper Ederson into the net.

The lead lasted 10 minutes after Gabriel Jesus was able to go past Curtis Jones as he cut in from the left before setting up for Foden to equalize in front of the Kop with his first league goal of the season.

The moment of brilliance from Salah came in the 76th as he weaved his way into the penalty area, skipping past City players and undeterred by a push from Foden before restoring Liverpool’s lead.

But Liverpool’s failure to tighten up at the back allowed De Bruyne to seal the point as defending champion City avoided a second loss of the season.

Liverpool, though, remains the only unbeaten team of the title challengers. The 2020 champions are a point behind Chelsea after seven games, while City is a further point behind in third but level on points with Manchester United, Everton and Brighton.