Liverpool’s unbeaten run in this season’s Premier League came to an end following a pulsating 2-1 loss to champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, blowing the title race open.
After both teams failed to attempt a shot in the first 15 minutes, it was Liverpool who had the game’s first big chance on 18 minutes but were denied the lead as John Stones cleared off the line from an initial mixup with Ederson after Sadio Mane’s effort had hit the post.
But it was City who went in front in the 40th minute through Sergio Aguero, who collected a low pass from Bernardo Silva before firing a left-foot strike past Alisson Becker from a tight angle.
Aguero’s opener made him the first player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive home games against the same opposition.
Liverpool almost drew level on 63 minutes from a set-piece but Vincent Kompany made an important clearance after Ederson came off his line, mistiming the cross.
But Liverpool were eventually rewarded thanks to Roberto Firmino who headed into an empty net from Andrew Robertson’s knock down to make it 1-1.
In the 72nd minute City went in front again through Leroy Sane whose low left-foot strike, from a pass from Raheem Sterling, hit the left post before nestling inside the back of the net.
Liverpool almost got back into the game again with less than 10 minutes left but Ederson denied Mohamed Salah with a fingertip save.
City are now four points off Liverpool on 50 points on the Premier League table.
