Micah Richards explains why he's "disappointed" with Man City's Liverpool draw

25 November 2023 , 18:03

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Micah Richards explains why he's "disappointed" with Man City's Liverpool draw

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards felt his old employers would have been frustrated by their failure to build on an early goal against Liverpool.

City had won 23 straight home games before the Reds' visit and took the lead before half-time when Erling Haaland's low effort was too hot for visiting goalkeeper Alisson to handle. Pep Guardiola's side had chances to extend their lead, while a Ruben Dias goal was chalked off for a foul in the build-up, but it was still just 1-0 going into the final 15 minutes.

The failure to score another goal came back to bite City, with Trent Alexander-Arnold drilling home an equaliser 10 minutes from time. Guardola's men couldn't get themselves back in front after the leveller, and Richards made his feelings clear.

“I think City will be frustrated,” the 35-year-old said on Sky Sports. “After Haaland scored that goal, you’re thinking can they kick on and go up a gear but that never happened. Man City will be disappointed that they couldn’t go up another gear. Very disappointing.”

City remained above Saturday's opponents after the point, having taken 11 points from five games since losing to Arsenal in early October. And, while his team failed to repeat last season's comfortable victory over Liverpool, Guardiola was pleased with the performance at the very least.

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A second Manchester City goal was disallowed (Getty Images)

"That was an excellent performance," Guardiola told Match of the Day. "I am really proud that after eight years we are still playing that way. We were really good in all departments and needed to be against an incredible team.

"Maybe we missed the last pass a little bit but they defended really well. To concede just two shots on target against Liverpool is a big compliment to the way we work."

City will remain at home for their next two games in the Champions League and Premier League. A point against RB Leipzig in midweek would ensure top spot in their European group, while an injury-hit Spurs side are the next league visitors to the Etihad.

While Richards felt it was an opportunity missed for the hosts, Jamie Carragher chose to focus on the positives for Liverpool. Carragher's former club fell to a 4-1 reverse on the same ground last season, and the pundit recognised how much has changed.

“They would have lost last year," Carragher said. "We saw the performance [from Liverpool] last season and there’s no doubt that something is building.

“I think both teams still lacked something, maybe on the back of the international break," he added. "It didn’t feel like either team really deserved to win the game."

Tom Victor