Liverpool 1 Man City 0 player ratings: Georginio Wijnaldum shines in midfield as he grabs a crucial match-winner to keep title hopes alive
GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM'S bullet header in the first half was enough for Liverpool to snatch a crucial three points from Manchester City.
Adam Lallana provided a teasing cross before the midfielder beat Aleksandar Kolarov in the air to give Claudio Bravo no chance.
Raheem Sterling returned to Anfield to a few jeers but failed to provide a cutting edge in a game of few chances.
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Pep Guardiola's side dominated possession in the second half and David Silva came close when his strike whistled passed the post.
Sergio Aguero looked anonymous on his return to action as Kevin de Bruyne was also far from his best.
But it was Wijnaldum who shone in the scrappy affair. The ex-Newcastle star looked composed on the ball and helped provide protection to the back four.
The result leaves Liverpool four points clear of City with Guardiola's side now 10 points behingd leaders Chelsea.
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
Liverpool: Mignolet 6, Milner 7, Klavan 7, Lovren 7, Clyne 6, Can 6, Henderson 7 (Origi 63, 6) Wijnaldum 8, Mane 5 (Lucas 89, 6) Firmino 7, Lallana 7
Subs not used: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Ejaria, Moreno, Sturridge
Booked: Klavan, Can
Goals: Wijnaldum
Manchester City: Bravo 5, Kolarov 7, Stones 6, Otamendi 7, Zabaleta 8 (Navas 86, 6), Fernandinho 6, Toure 7 (Iheanacho 89, 5) Sterling 6, De Bruyne 6, Silva, Aguero 6
Subs not used: Caballero, Clichy, Garcia, Sagna, Fernando
Booked: Otamendi
STAR MAN: GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM