Jordan Henderson has praised Liverpool’s “character” for battling twice to earn a point at Manchester City – but accepts the fate of the Premier League title is now out of their hands.
The Reds remain one point behind leaders City with seven games to go after Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane both scored in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.
Pep Guardiola’s side – who were 14 points clear of Liverpool in mid-January – had already won all 23 Premier League games this season in which they had taken the lead.
PAUL GORST: Liverpool have just provided a definitive answer to the Man City rivalry question
IAN DOYLE: Jurgen Klopp has clear transfer need as Sadio Mane sends contract message
JURGEN KLOPP: Liverpool boss denies celebratory claims after off-camera scene at Man City
But Henderson concedes City now have the advantage while insistent Liverpool deserve credit for how they came back after ‘tough times’ in a heartbreaking first half.
“We wanted to come here and win and that would have been in our hands for the next seven games,” the Liverpool skipper said. “Unfortunately that’s not the case and that’s in City’s hands. We have to keep going until the end and if there’s a mistake we have to be there, ready to pounce. That’s the mentality .
“Mixed emotions as we wanted three points but we dug deep and didn’t lose the game which is also important. We have to take the positives and move on and prepare for the next game.
“It’s going to be an intense game at this level and on this scale, and it was, especially at the start. We could have started a bit better, but to be fair, I thought we continued and took some time. delayed twice and that we came back twice, it’s really positive and shows great character to continue in difficult times. But at the same time, we can be a little bit better, especially with the ball. I felt that when we played football it hurt them, and that’s where the goals came from.
Henderson, speaking to LFC TV, added: “You know you’re going to suffer sometimes against this team and you’re going to have to dig in. We did it and stayed in the game. Another day we could have done it. the end with a set piece. We really can not regret.
“When we played football we caused them problems, you have to show personality to get into the ball and when we did that in the first half we scored our goal but not often enough, and we did it early in the second half and got our (second) goal.”
