Jurgen Klopp’s men were looking a class abve their opponents as Coutinho forced a superb save out of Joe Hart in the City goal ten minutes later but Hart had no answers to Roberto Firmino’s 34th minute effort that extended Liverpool’s lead to 3-0.
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Brazilian duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino were central to Liverpool’s success, but it was bruising defender Martin Skrtel who had the last word with this thunderous late volley.
Speaking to the media after Liverpool’s 4-1 rout of City, Klopp reassured concerned Reds supporters that Coutinho had succumbed to cramp and the injury wasn’t serious.
“It was far from ideal but was very good, we took our chances and made our goals”.
Raheem Sterling won’t necessarily be the most talented player on the pitch when these sides face off on Saturday, but he is the one who everyone will be watching.
Despite the tough assignment at the Etihad Stadium, they achieved just that following a sublime first-half display.
“It is hard to understand why we should play so badly – not just one name but a complete team in defending or attacking possession”.
Firmino enjoyed his best performance in a red shirt since joining the club from German side Hoffenheim for a reported fee of 29 million pounds ($45.8 million).
His biggest win since taking over seven weeks ago more than made up for the home defeat against Crystal Palace immediately before the worldwide break.
Leicester became the third team to top the table this morning after Manchester City started it in first place and Manchester United briefly led after they won 2-1 at Watford in the early kickoff.
“I have never seen this team play in the way they did tonight”.
And Pellegrini was at a loss when quizzed on his team’s performance after the game. The boys can believe now that they are stronger than many people think.
“I hope [he] is well enough”, Klopp said.
This allows Klopp to field a four-pronged attacking line, with three midfielders supporting a lone striker.
Sterling, 20, felt the ire of Liverpool’s supporters after rejecting a contract offer from the club at the end of last season and subsequently joined City in a deal that could be worth up to £49 million ($74.9 million, 69.8 million euros).
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Hart also had to save from Dejan Lovren, before a calamitous back-pass from old boy James Milner nearly let City back into the game, only for Mignolet to deny Aguero from Sterling’s lay-off.
