Philippe Coutinho’s strike 12 minutes from time helped Liverpool to take a huge step towards a first Premier League title since 1990 with a 3-2 victory over Manchester City on an emotional day at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts went ahead after just six minutes when Raheem Sterling produced a composed finish from 10 yards before Martin Skrtel headed home the second 20 minutes later as the Reds threatened to run away with it in the first-half.
David Silva managed to pull one back for City 11 minutes after the restart before Glen Johnson scored an own goal to put the sides level with 62 minutes gone.
But the day would eventually belong to Liverpool as Vincent Kompany’s error let Philippe Coutinho drive in a winner before the Reds’ Jordan Henderson was red-carded.
Liverpool’s English midfielder was sent off in injury for a wild challenge on Nasri, but referee Mark Clattenburg blew soon after and Liverpool celebrated a 10th straight victory.
The victory sent Liverpool five points clear at the top of the Premier League and on track for a first English league crown since 1990, although second-placed Chelsea play later in the day.
City, who lost Yaya Toure to injury early on, remain third, seven points off the pace but with two games in hand.
MATCH FACTS
Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan, Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho (Moses 89), Sterling (Lucas 90), Suarez, Sturridge (Allen 66).
Subs not used: Brad Jones, Toure, Agger, Aspas.
Goals: Sterling 6, Skrtel 26, Coutinho 78.
Booked: Suarez.
Sent off: Henderson (90).
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Toure (Javi Garcia 19), Fernandinho, Jesus Navas (Milner 50), Silva, Nasri, Dzeko (Aguero 68).
Subs not used: Lescott, Negredo, Kolarov, Pantilimon.
Goals: Silva 57, Johnson (og) 63.
Booked: Javi Garcia, Fernandinho, Zabaleta.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).
Attendance: 44,601.
Source: Sokkaa