Gary Lineker claims Alisson will 'never want to speak to' Micah Richards again because of Liverpool 'curse'

Gary Lineker has joked a Liverpool player will refuse to speak to Micah Richards in the future following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

The two sides cancelled one another out at the Etihad Stadium in a fascinating tactical battle.

Erling Haaland gave City the lead with his 50th Premier League goal in 48 games, the quickest anyone has ever reached that milestone.

Despite City's dominance, Trent Alexander-Arnold scored 10 minutes from time to ensure the points were shared.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was at fault for Haaland's goal, miskicking a long ball intended for Mohamed Salah to Nathan Ake.

The defender danced through two Liverpool tackles before laying the ball off to Haaland.

He made no mistake from close range and fired past Alisson just before the half-hour mark.

Alisson was below-par all afternoon and picked up a hamstring injury in the dying embers.

The Brazil international spoke to Richards pre-match and on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker couldn't resist teasing his co-host.

Lineker said: "I saw you before the game and you were talking to the Liverpool goalkeeper, Alisson.

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"Considering he’s not even a Man City player, you were a bit crawly and all that ‘oh you’re so good!’

"You asked him a reasonable question. You said 'You’re the best in the league at one-on-ones, what’s your secret? You’re so great at it.'

“Then obviously a few minutes into the game, Haaland goes through, knocks it straight past him and it goes through him.

"Whatever you did to curse him, it worked Micah! That’s why he’s the ambassador at Manchester City!"

The Rest Is Football)

Richards, who won the Premier League with City in 2012, hit back with: "We call that reverse psychology, that one!"

City and Liverpool drawing gave Arsenal the perfect opportunity to move top of the table.

Kai Havertz's late header means the Gunners now sit at the summit, one point clear of City and two of Liverpool.