Manchester City keep Premier League title fate in their hands despite Mahrez penalty miss
The Hindu
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Manchester City staged a thrilling fightback from two goals down to keep the destiny of the Premier League title in their hands, but Riyad Mahrez’s late penalty miss forced the leaders to settle for a dramatic 2-2 draw at West Ham on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side were in danger of gifting second placed Liverpool a premier league title lifeline after West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen struck twice in the first half.
But Man City’s stirring recovery showed the character that has already brought them three premier league titles in the last four seasons.
Jack Grealish got one back soon after the interval and Vladimir Coufal’s own goal completed Manchester City’s escape act.
It should have been even better for Man City, but Mahrez’s penalty was saved by Lukasz Fabianski with five minutes left.
While that was a bitter blow to Guardiola, who stood ashen-faced on the touchline, in the circumstances Manchester City will be relieved to have moved four points clear of Liverpool with a goal difference seven better than their rivals.
They will retain the premier league title if Jurgen Klopp’s side lose their game in hand at Southampton on Tuesday.
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