Rodgers finds way to level pitch

It was one of the few occasions this season when Liverpool didn’t do enough to win, but they were still good enough to claim three points.

The Manchester City squad certainly thought so. Liverpool had just been beaten 2-1 at the Etihad on St Stephen’s Day, but the home side were as relieved as they were satisfied. Virtually everyone in the City set-up had been struck by the ferocity of Liverpool’s play, the assertiveness.

It was felt they were the “real deal”, that Liverpool would prove proper competition for the title.