The Reds knew they could move 11 points clear of City and lay down another marker in the Premier League title race with a victory.
They started like a house on fire on the day, with Jamie Carragher amazed by Liverpool’s dominance in the first-half.
The tide changed a little over the second period, with the Reds happy to let City have more of the ball.
But the champions could not hurt Liverpool, and the home side took advantage of some sloppy defending to kill the game late on.
It was another defeat at Anfield for Pep Guardiola, who has a terrible record at the stadium. And speaking to the press after the game, Guardiola gave all the praise to Liverpool.
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola looks on from his seat ahead of kick-off in the English Premier League football match between Liver...
Pep Guardiola hails ‘unstoppable’ Liverpool
Guardiola lost his head a little on the touchline at Anfield on Sunday. The legendary manager has never found the going easy at Liverpool’s home.
As the stadium chanted that he was ‘getting sacked in the morning’ Guardiola responded to Liverpool fans by holding up six fingers in acknowledgement of the number of league titles he has won at City.
But regardless of what has come before, the champions were well beaten on the day, and Guardiola knew it.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the Spaniard hailed Liverpool’s ‘unstoppable’ start to the match.
“The first 15-20 minutes they were unstoppable,” Guardiola admitted. “They started so strong, we tried to play with a lot of control and passes, but it was difficult to take it.
“They deserved the first goal, but we ended the first half so well and played well in the second half without too much threat. I know how strong Liverpool are in both boxes.
“I congratulate them and we’ll reset and start from zero and it is difficult to believe it,” added the City manager.
Liverpool cruise clear
Liverpool have had some epic battles with City over the years, but this was not one of them.
The champions are on an unbelievably poor run and although there were fears that this may change at Anfield, things went true to the formbook.
After getting the early goal, Liverpool never really looked in danger of losing this match.
The Reds should have added a second goal before they eventually did, but their goal was rarely in danger from Erling Haaland and co.
Having signed a new deal recently, it’s likely that a better Pep will return to Anfield next season. But for now, he can only watch in awe as the Reds cruise clear at the top.
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