Reds show their worth by hanging tough at the Etihad

A 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad would be most welcome by almost any club in the world. Having fought back from a one-goal deficit to secure that amplifies the importance. Liverpool passed a stern litmus test of their credentials this season.

The good form shown by Jurgen Klopp’s men in the early months of this season has been nothing short of remarkable.

The Reds have implemented an entirely new midfield crew alongside continuing to develop their attack. A win over Newcastle while down a man was impressive, but the Magpies are not yet the perennial powers they aspire to be.

Liverpool’s lone Premier League loss of the season came in controversial fashion away to Tottenham where they had a goal wrongly disallowed and played heroically with 9 men before a brutal 96th minute own goal.

However, traveling to the Etihad in their first match following an international break was never going to be ideal.

It showed in the first half as the Reds played uncharacteristically timid. Normally, they are one of the few clubs that shows no fear against City.

A rare moment of sloppiness from Alisson exposed his defense and the ever-present Erling Haaland made them pay.

Now, this was a moment where a lot of teams could crumble and let the City machine get rolling. However, it looks like once again the Reds are going to be of a different mettle than most.

By being able to fight back and come out in the second half on the front foot and eventually secure a draw through a superb Trent Alexander-Arnold finish, Liverpool reaffirmed their elite status.

When Liverpool comes out with a focused intensity and drive, there are few teams in Europe, let alone England, that can handle them. A battling point at the Etihad will only build that growing self-belief that Klopp instills in his players.

While in the overall grand scheme of things it is just a solitary point in late November, but the manner in which it was secured and who it came against means so much more.

If you had any doubts beforehand, cast them away now. Liverpool are here to stay at the title contenders table once again.