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Manchester City

Manchester United

Liverpool

Arsenal

Chelsea

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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>De Bruyne assisted goal against Liverpool</li><li>Argued with City bench after being taken off</li><li>Guardiola explained reason for substituttion</li></ul>

'We need a player who keeps the ball!' - Pep Guardiola defends early Kevin De Bruyne substitution after touchline spat with Man City midfielder in Liverpool draw

Premier League

Tottenham

Southampton

With City and Liverpool tied at 1-1 in the crucial Premier League clash at Anfield, De Bruyne was taken off with just over 20 minutes left to play. The attacking midfielder was visibly annoyed by the decision to swap him and was later seen discussing the matter with Guardiola while he sat on the bench. Guardiola has denied that there is an issue between the two and revealed he brought on Mateo Kovacic instead to boost his team's chances of keeping possession.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Asked about De Bruyne's frustration, Guardiola told Sky Sports: "That's good. Have a chance next game to prove it. We need a player who keeps the ball. Its not about pressing. Kovacic is really good at that. We were happy with Kevin. It's not a problem. We're fine."

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

De Bruyne was pivotal in City taking the lead in the heavyweight showdown at Anfield when he whipped a dangerous cross from a corner towards the front post, where <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kevin-de-bruyne-biggest-genius-premier-league-history-incredible-corner-assist-john-stones-liverpool/blt1d2e8463981c4d3a" target="_blank">John Stones was able to divert it past Caoimhin Kelleher</a> after 23 minutes. Despite the visitors' strong first-half showing, they were second best after the break as Liverpool pulled level from a penalty from Alexis Mac Allister after goalkeeper Ederson brought down Darwin Nunez and the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-city-player-ratings-vs-liverpool-nathan-ake-kevin-de-bruyne/blt7a76112e28f75309" target="_blank">game ended in a 1-1 draw</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sunday's result leaves City third in the Premier League table, a point behind Liverpool and Arsenal, who are top on goal difference. De Bruyne will likely be back in the starting XI when Guardiola's men take on Newcastle in the FA Cup next week, while Liverpool turn their attention to their Europa League clash against Sparta Prague on Thursday.

WHAT NEXT FOR CITY?

'We need a player who keeps the ball!' - Pep Guardiola defends early Kevin De Bruyne substitution after touchline spat with Man City midfielder in Liverpool draw | Goal.com English Saudi Arabia

Pep Guardiola has explained why he substituted Kevin De Bruyne during Manchester City&apos;s draw with Liverpool, sparking an angry reaction from the star.

&apos;We need a player who keeps the ball!&apos; - Pep Guardiola defends early Kevin De Bruyne substitution after touchline spat with Man City midfielder in Liverpool draw