Liverpool duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino produced an incisive attacking display to make the most of some dreadful defending from Manchester City and pick up a 4-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were clinical on the counter-attack, racing into a three-goal lead that brought an end to a run of six Premier League matches away at City without a win.
Eliaquim Mangala – brought into the centre of defence along with Martin Demichelis as two of Manuel Pellegrini’s four changes – opened the scoring with an own goal early on, setting the tone for a dismal defensive display.
Philippe Coutinho scored his fourth goal in five top-flight appearances against City to double Liverpool’s advantage, with Roberto Firmino – in for Christian Benteke as one of Klopp’s three changes – adding the third in sensational fashion.
Making his return after a seven-week absence, Sergio Aguero brilliantly pulled one back for City shortly before the interval, but they were unable to push on in the second half.
Their misery was compounded nine minutes from time when Martin Skrtel blasted past Joe Hart from the edge of the box, meaning City now sit third behind rivals Manchester United and shock leaders Leicester City.