Ilkay Gundogan grabbed a brace after missing a first half penalty, with Raheem Sterling and Man of the Match Phil Foden completing the scoring as City secured a magnificent 4-1 triumph for our first win at the Reds’ home since 2003.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO WATCH EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Mohamed Salah’s penalty cancelled out Gundogan’s opener, but two mistakes from goalkeeper Alisson gifted the visitors a second and third in quick succession.
Guardiola was delighted to end City’s 18-year winless streak at Anfield in emphatic fashion - and was particularly impressed with his players’ bold approach against Jurgen Klopp’s men.
“What was important was the three points,” the manager declared afterwards.
“Of course, I’m so proud of the guys who have broken a record that has stood for a long time, that shows how difficult it is and hopefully next time we can do a similar performance with people here.
“Anfield without people is completely different because I could imagine being at 1-1 and how different the influence would be on their players.
“But we reacted so well, nobody stepped back, everyone stepped forward with a huge personality. Raheem Sterling had an incredible game, like last season, but a phenomenal performance.
“The commitment from the guys in the stands who did not play supporting their team-mates.
“Three points and I’m grateful for this victory, but tomorrow, feet on the ground and we think about Swansea.”
City did the damage in 10 remarkable second half minutes as Alisson misplaced two passes which allowed Gundogan to net his second and Sterling to head home the third, before Foden lashed in a brilliant fourth to cap a wonderful individual display.
There was so much to enjoy about the team’s performance, but it was the reaction to the disappointment of going in level at half-time after Gundogan had blazed a first half spot kick over the bar that pleased Guardiola most.
“I didn’t say anything at the break,” the boss explained.
“The players made the decision themselves and they handled the situation themselves and the players in the middle were fantastic.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY PODCAST
“Especially when you react after missing a penalty against Liverpool at Anfield.
“We missed one here three years ago in the 88th minute when Riyad [Mahrez] didn’t score, then Kevin [De Bruyne] at home and today Gundo, so once again it was tough for us mentally.
“At half-time we didn’t say one thing about the penalty miss, we just had to control their movements better – Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are so dangerous - and after the quality of the players made the difference.”
