Premier League: The Match That Defined The Season
The match became more known for Manchester City’s John Stones clearing the ball off the goal line in the 17th minute.
At the time, the match was drawn 0-0 as Mohamed Salah fed the ball to a streaking Sadio Mane who shot the ball past the Reds’ goalie hitting the post. Stones’ first clearance attempt deflected off Ederson into the air towards the goal.
Stones then made a physics-defying 180-degree turn to clear the ball off the line. VAR showed that only part of the ball had crossed the line.
No goal
The energy level of the match reached an intensity that was reminiscent of a beehive from that point on leading to Sergio Aguero opening the scoring for City in the 39th minute with a goal slamming the top of the net. Roberto Firmino evened the game in the 63rd minute with a beautiful diving header.
Leroy Sane broke free on a breakaway and received a pass from Raheem Sterling, and his shot ricocheted off the post into the net for the game-winner. It was arguably the best match of last year’s Premier League season, and it defined each club’s season.
Manchester City built on the momentum of the victory to win 16 of their last 17 league matches, including their last 14. The Reds did not lose again in the league for the remainder of the season; however, they drew four times to lose their lead. City ended up defending their Premier League title by one point over Liverpool on the final day of the season.
Jurgen Klopp may have gotten the last laugh, however, as his season ended on a bus riding around Liverpool with the Champions League trophy.