John Stones broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute at Anfield (Picture: Getty)

Jamie Carragher criticised Alexis Mac Allister for his role in John Stones’ goal for Manchester City during the side’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool, arguing that the midfielder should have been ‘more aggressive’ at the front post.

Despite Liverpool enjoying 53 per cent of the possession, it was City that had the most shots on target in the first half at Anfield – and the pressure told in the 23rd minute as Kevin De Bruyne found Stones with a cleverly orchestrated corner at Anfield.

The hosts, who put in a much-improved second half display to walk away with a 1-1 draw, appeared to be caught off guard as De Bruyne whipped a low cross into the near post and the England and City man capitalised, beating Caoimhin Kelleher from close-range.
Replays showed Nathan Ake holding off the challenge of Mac Allister in the build-up to Stones’ strike and Gary Neville briefly questioned whether the goal would be checked on Sky Sports’ commentary before agreeing with referee Michael Oliver’s decision to let it stand.

In the Sky Sports studio, meanwhile, Carragher waxed lyrical about De Bruyne’s quality from the set-piece but felt Mac Allister could have been stronger to hold off Ake and prevent the goal.

‘I think it’s more about Kevin De Bruyne and the quality [rather than lacklustre Liverpool defending], but I just think Mac Allister has got to be ...