Liverpool 3-0 Manchester City: Five Talking Points

Liverpool avenged their League Cup loss on Sunday by turning the tables on Manchester City as Adam Lallana, James Milner and Roberto Firmino were on target to help prevail emphatically by 3-0 in a gripping encounter at Anfield. Just three days after the heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss to the Skyblues at Wembley, the Reds entered the fray with revenge in their minds and got just that when they dispatched a sparkling performance to knock the visitors out of the park.City appeared to still be in the Capital One Cup hangover as they not only struggled to break down a rigid Liverpool backline, but also failed to shut them out like they did for large spells at the weekend.The defeat was another dent on Pellegrini’s Premier League hopes, whilst Liverpool ignited their Champions League quest yet again. Here are some of the major talking points from the game.

#1 Anfield still a swamp for Manchester City

City haven’t won at Anfield since 2003

Following the cup triumph over Liverpool on Sunday, Manchester City were the more beaming side entering the crucial tie, or so it seemed. The Citizens were riding a wave of confidence after that nervy win at Wembley and were buoyant to break their Anfield hoodoo. Only to be given a massive reality check.

The Skyblues were completely outplayed, outmanoeuvred and outfoxed by a spirited Reds, and there was nothing that the visitors could do to prevent the humiliation. From the first minute of the game to the last, Liverpool had their rings all over the game and came out on top in a very resounding fashion.

As for Manchester City, Anfield remained a turgid swamp for them as they haven’t won in the red half of Merseyside since 2003. The whammy continues as of now.

#2 Not a homecoming to remember for Sterling

Sterling had a nightmarish time on his old stomping ground

Former Liverpool talent Raheem Sterling left a bitter taste in the Kop's mouth when he swapped the red of Merseyside for the blue of Manchester last summer. The English youngster was shipped for a record fee for a teenager at 49 million, and was thereby at the receiving end of a barrage of brickbats from the fans for his avarice.

On his first return to Anfield since his departure, Sterling had a nightmarish time on his old stomping ground and the Kop gained a shot at retribution. The 21-year old cut a frustrated figure in City's attack and was effectively negated by Jon Flanagan.

Sterling was then put out of his misery after getting substituted at half-time, as the purs of boos and jeers only grew louder with each passing minute when he was on the field.

#3 Celebrations for Milner, though

Milner scored the second goal for Liverpool

Raheem Sterling was not the only one facing his former colleagues. James Milner was too. The England international went in the opposite direction of the 21-year old to join Liverpool after being deemed surplus to City’s requirements, and for the second league game running, enjoyed punching holes in his former side.

The veteran Englishman was the architect of the 4-1 drubbing at Etihad earlier in the season, and now in the reverse at Anfield, came back to bite the Skyblues. Not only was Milner a thorn in the visitor's face, but also stung them with a fine goal. Running amok in the midfield with his intelligent runs and harrowing City with his attacking prowess, the 31-year old served a timely reminder to his former employers there's still lot of life left in him.

The agony of losing the League Cup trophy may have been a painful one to endure, but Milner is certainly refurbishing his reputation at Liverpool with performances like this.

#4 Champions League still within Liverpool\'s reach

The win against City has somewhat re-ignited Liverpool’s European hopes

The arrival of Jurgen Klopp at the Kop was a shot in the arm for Liverpool’s Champions League hopes, but the side’s inconsistency helped make a rod for themselves. Although victories against the bigger sides of the division were flattering on the eye, slip-ups to the lower ranked teams cost them dear.

Nonetheless, today's victory over Manchester City should re-ignite their faint European hopes with season fast approaching it’s business end. Whilst the likes of Crystal Palace, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are still in the pipeline, playing in the vein Liverpool played last night will see them comfortably enter the top four.

The Reds currently trail City, who occupy the last Champions League spot, by 6 points in 8th, but there's a renewed belief that the gap can be bridged.

#5 Premier League still anybody\'s to lose

None of the top 4 teams won their matches in this game week

It was a strange night for the top 4 teams in the Premier League. Firstly, none of them won their respective midweek games and secondly, three of them ended up losing, thereby losing ground in the race.

Following Leicester City's draw to West Brom the previous night, the chasing pack were given a chance to close the gap at the top, but surprisingly, none were able to take advantage of it. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester City were all defeated last night, keeping the race to the finish line still wide open.

At the end stand, The Foxes still lead the line 3 points clear, with Spurs breathing in second. Arsenal are further adrift in third, whilst City are stuttering to keep themselves within the top four standings.

Only 10 matchdays more separate the season from its conclusion, and in one of the most open Premier League campaign's in the recent memory, the title is still anybody's to lose.