Liverpool 3 Man City 2: Brendan Rodgers revels in ‘incredible victory’
Liverpool 3 Man City 2: Brendan Rodgers praises his side's quality and spirit after an "incredible win" at Anfield
Brendan Rodgers hailed Liverpool’s incredible performance after the Reds cemented their position at the top of the Premier League with victory over Manchester City.
Liverpool duo Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel struck inside the opening 26 minutes at Anfield to put the league leaders complete control of the potential title decider.
However, City made the Reds pay for failing to add a third goal as David Silva halved the deficit 12 minutes after half-time before Glen Johnson deflected the ball into his own net.
The quality of our football was outstanding and we’re clearly coping with it [title-race pressure]
Brendan Rodgers
City appeared to be favourites to push on and secure three points with 28 minutes remaining, but Philippe Coutinho capitalised on Vincent Kompany’s poor clearance in the 78th minute to fire the Reds to victory.
“It was a remarkable performance. I thought we were incredible. The team had so much spirit and quality. It was incredible,” Rodgers told Sky Sports.
“Congratulations to Manchester City. We were outstanding in the first half but we expected a 15 or 20-minute spell from them and they got back into the game.
“But it showed you the character in this group to come back and score a brilliant goal. It was three very valuable points for us.”
Liverpool moved seven points clear of City after their 3-2 victory, although the Citizens have played two games less than the Reds.
Asked whether this win could prove decisive in the title race, Rodgers replied: “It was a significant game. It may end up being a significant win.
“But we’ve got Norwich next week and they played well but lost 1-0. So for us, it is about enjoying this.
“We’re not going to veer from what we’ve always down which is concentrate on the next opponent.”
Rodgers added that Liverpool’s first-half performance proved that the Reds are coping with the pressure of being title contenders.
“Our objective is to stay where we are. There’s no doubting that. We’ve been put under pressure in every big game that we’ve played.
“The quality of our football was outstanding and we’re clearly coping with it.”
