GABRIEL JESUS canceled out a Mohamed Salah penalty but Kevin De Bruyne missed a spot-kick as heavyweights Manchester City and Liverpool played out an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins scored twice in a 3-0 dismantling of the Gunners.

The 24-year-old striker has adapted quickly to the top-flight after signing from Championship side Brentford in September, taking his tally to six goals in seven league games.

Villa’s biggest win at Arsenal since 1928 lifted the side to sixth in the Premier League — just three points behind leader Leicester with a game in hand.

The Reds, fielding a four-man attack, took an early lead in a gripping Premier League contest at the Etihad Stadium when Salah struck after a foul by Kyle Walker on Sadio Mane.

City responded with a fine goal from fit-again Jesus but De Bruyne spurned the chance to put them ahead when he fired wide from 12 meters before the break.

Both sides had opportunities in the second half but neither could break through, meaning Liverpool dropped from first to third over the course of the weekend while City remained in mid-table.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp had made a bold call by fitting the in-form Diogo Jota into his side alongside the feared front three of Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino, and gave them all equal licence to attack.

Playing in what appeared a 4-2-4 formation, the visitors went straight onto the front foot. They created a chance within the opening minute as Firmino raced in on goal from a long ball but Ederson just did enough to put him off.

That set the tempo for the opening stages and the Reds were rewarded for their aggressive and positive start with a penalty after 13 minutes.

There were few complaints when Craig Pawson pointed to the spot after Walker — derided as “an idiot” after the challenge by TV pundit Roy Keane — clipped Mane. Salah made City pay the price by smashing home from the spot.

Another rapid Liverpool break led to Salah teeing up Mane in the box but Ruben Dias blocked.

City eventually began to settle and get De Bruyne on the ball. It was the Belgian who created their first chance when he picked out Raheem Sterling at the far post but the England forward allowed Alisson Becker to make the save.(SD-Agencies)