Few were anticipating a Liverpool win at the Etihad. Even fewer thought they would have victory all but wrapped up just after the half-hour mark
By the time Roberto Firmino opened his Reds account in the 32nd minute, adding to an Eliaquim Mangala own goal and Philippe Coutinho’s composed second, the visitors were out of sight.
Sergio Aguero pulled one back before half-time but Manchester City were unable to produce a second-half comeback and missed out on the chance to reclaim top spot in the Premier League, and Martin Skrtel clinched victory for Liverpool late on.
Naturally, much of the praise on Twitter came the way of Jurgen Klopp.
“If you want me to walk on water the next day, then we have a problem" – Jurgen Klopp, October 10. On this evidence, it's taken six weeks.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) November 21, 2015
While people were quick to point out that his predecessor was unlikely to ever produce such a performance from his players.
I wouldn't lie but I could never imagine Liverpool playing like this under Brendan Rodgers. 😅 #Klopp #LFC
— Vaibhav Shah (@Aviation_Freak) November 21, 2015
Raheem Sterling had an evening to forget against his former club.
"Sterling, what's the score?" sing the Liverpool fans.
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) November 21, 2015
I almost feel sorry for Sterling. Almost.
— Ellis (@EllisSpacey) November 21, 2015
But he wasn’t the only one to struggle.
Yaya Toure is past it, Still technically brilliant, but so poor tracking back
— . (@billymcfc_) November 21, 2015
Liverpool fans were delighted for Firmino, who already seems to be kicking into gear under his new manager.
You know what the best thing about today is. Firmino's scored his first goal for the club.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) November 21, 2015
Lets all take this time to thank raheem stirling for funding the transfer of firmino.
— YNWABible (@YNWABible) November 21, 2015
Since Klopp arrived Firmino and Coutinho have become one hell of a combination. Love watching this team.
— Paul Tomkins (@paul_tomkins) November 21, 2015
While the visitors’ fourth goal brought a mixture of pride and shock.
OMG. Skrtel just twatted the shit out of the ball. 4-1 Liverpool.
— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) November 21, 2015
Holy shit, Martin Skrtel.
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) November 21, 2015
https://twitter.com/JacobSteinberg/status/668144099447447553
The win takes Liverpool level on points with Everton, who beat Aston Villa 4-0 earlier in the day, and you can tell the fans were delighted.
Can, Phil, Firmino & Lallana deserve massive credit. Executed Klopp's game plan almost to perfection. #LFC
— Hari Sethi (@Hari_Sethi) November 21, 2015
Though they weren’t the only ones…
https://twitter.com/nathenmcvittie/status/668147534917976064
