Liverpool welcomed defending English Premier League champions Manchester City to Anfield in the early kick-off on Sunday. Manuel Pellegrini's crew entered the game knowing anything but a win would be a serious blow to their title hopes.
And this is what the Reds handed to the Citizens. Brendan Rodgers' side, led by vice-captain Jordan Henderson, ran out 2-1 winners, moving inches closer to that Champions League spot.
Goals from Henderson and star midfielder Philippe Coutinho grabbed all three points for the home side. The Brazilian ace was the Merseyside club's star player, racking in great reviews on Twitter for his outstanding performance.
With the game tied 1-1, Coutinho stepped up to the plate and scored the winning goal courtesy of a 75th minute stunner. See how social media reacted to the 22-year-old's display.
#Harry Coutinho or Philippe Potter. Either way, he's magic. #LFC pic.twitter.com/kv8Bw7ud4x
— Tim Treacy (@TimTreacy) March 1, 2015
Fitting goal from Coutinho to win the game
— mick quinn (@mickquinn1089) March 1, 2015
.@Phil_Coutinho: MoTM vs Man City, Rating 8.29, Goals 1, Shots 4, Dribbles 4, Key Passes 1, Tackles 3 pic.twitter.com/4rFGCfdCnt
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 1, 2015
4 - Philippe Coutinho had four shots vs Man City, two of them on target, including the winning goal. Zone. #LFC pic.twitter.com/LPRoFe6c2z
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 1, 2015
Impressive from #lfc, sustaining that tempo, energy, pace, pressing. Coutinho, Henderson, Allen, Lallana etc all excellent. Fine goals too.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 1, 2015
Coutinho is a too baller. Makes me happy to see a traditional Brazilian football player doing well.
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) March 1, 2015
— Troll Football (@Troll__Football) March 1, 2015
Ozil 42million"@_Oheneba_: Coutinho for €8million Juan Mata for €37million pic.twitter.com/snqQdGzsmH"
— King jay (@awesomearsenal) March 1, 2015
Key stats from the 2-1 win
The streak continues: a defending Premier League champion has not won at Anfield in more than 7 years (Liverpool 0-1 United, 16.12.2007)
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) March 1, 2015
Liverpool is the best PL club of the year 2015 (20 points), ahead of Arsenal (15) and Chelsea (14). City, 12.
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) March 1, 2015
26 - Liverpool have taken 26 points (8W 2D) from their last 10 Premier League games. Charge.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 1, 2015
The victory over Manchester City saw Liverpool move into fifth spot, ahead of Southampton and Tottenham.
The result, of course, plays into the hands of league leaders Chelsea, who with a game in hand, boast a five-point gap at the top.
