City v Liverpool: January 3, 2019

11 millimetres.

Ultimately the difference between City winning the Premier League and not?

Very likely.

It was the first-half of a crucial Premier League clash between City and Liverpool and the score was 0-0 at the Etihad with the game was finely balanced.

The first goal would be vital in what was a genuine ‘six-pointer’.

If the Reds won - even thought it was still January - they would open up a 10-point gap over the Blues.

If City won, it was back down to four points and the title race would be very much on again.

Pep Guardiola had claimed every game would be a cup final after watching his side lose three of the previous five games, while Jurgen Klopp’s men were unbeaten in 20 and looking to take full advantage of our shaky festive form.

Then came the moment that would prove so pivotal.

Sadio Mane raced through on goal but as his effort rebounded back off the inside of the post, John Stones tried to clear the ball but only managed to hit the backtracking Ederson.

The ball rebounded agonisingly towards the empty net.

But with unbelievable athleticism, Stones lunged himself at the ball and hooked it away.


As the Etihad waited for the referee to indicate the ball had crossed the line, play continued - because Stones had somehow managed to ensure that 11 millimetres of the ball had not crossed.

It seemed to refocus our efforts and was the warning shot across the bows we perhaps needed.

Sergio Aguero put City ahead just before the break and though Roberto Firmino levelled shortly after the re-start, Leroy Sane scored on 72 minutes to secure a priceless three points.

Stones said afterwards:: “I tried to just take everything in, to be honest. I’m glad I reacted quite quickly, and I’ve heard it’s quite tight.

“I’m happy it just didn’t go over the line, to be honest. I tried to take Ederson and the ball, but it deflected off him. I just had to react quickly, and I think those sorts of things can change games.”

And seasons...

City ended the campaign on 98 points, while Liverpool finished on 97 and the magnitude of that clearance undoubtedly  playing a huge part in the Blues’ hunting down - and passing - Klopp’s side to become champions once again.