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A slice of Brazilian magic from Philippe Coutinho settled a thrilling Premier League title showdown in Liverpool’s favour.
The Reds raced into a 2-0 lead against Manchester City at Anfield, but the away side responded well in the second half to drag themselves level. Coutinho, however, was on hand to give Liverpool a two-point lead at the head of the Premier League table.
Brendan Rodgers opted for the more attacking of his two base game plans, naming both Coutinho and Raheem Sterling in his starting XI. Joe Allen and Daniel Agger had to make do with spots on the bench. Vincent Kompany was fit to start for the Blues after an injury scare in training, but Sergio Aguero was only named as a substitute.
After a belting rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, there was a minute’s silence at Anfield to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. It was, unsurprisingly, impeccably observed.
The home side didn’t take long to find top gear and took the lead within five minutes. Luis Suarez barged Gael Clichy off the goal with ease and slid a lovely pass into the path of Sterling. The England man dummied one way, tempting both Kompany and Joe Hart to commit themselves, before cutting back and tucking the ball home.
Sterling then carved out a golden chance for Daniel Sturridge with a cross from the right, but the striker sliced wide with the goal beckoning.
Things went from bad to worse for City, influential midfielder Yaya Toure being forced off with a knee problem before the 20-minute mark.
Liverpool would then double their lead. Steven Gerrard swung a corner into the near post, where Martin Skrtel evaded his marker to glance the ball goalward. Hart could do nothing as the ball nestled in the net to wild celebrations.
Further chances fell to Coutinho, Fernandinho and David Silva, while Glen Johnson cleared off the line after a goalmouth scramble, but City would go into the interval with a two-goal deficit.
City found their feet soon after the break. James Milner – on for Jesus Navas – cut in from the right, swapped passes with Fernandinho and slid the ball into the area, where Silva nipped in front of his man to prod a finish beyond Simon Mignolet to make it 2-1.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side would then find an equaliser, a patient passing move culminating in Silva’s low cross, which came off Johnson to beat Mignolet.
Silva almost added a third after being found by substitute Aguero, but the Spaniard could not quite stretch enough to divert the ball on target when well placed.
Liverpool were rocking but somehow managed to retake the lead. There appeared to be little danger from a throw-in from the right, but Kompany made a mess of his clearance, slicing it into the penalty area. Coutinho took full advantage, rifling a shot past Hart with his first touch.
City pressed for another leveller, but were unable to break down the massed home defence, even when Liverpool were reduced to ten men late on following an ugly challenge by Jordan Henderson on Samir Nasri.
The result gave Liverpool a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League ahead of Chelsea who won against Swansea. — Mirror
Online Reporter