Manchester City outclassed Liverpool with an outstanding performance at Etihad Stadium, maintaining pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal despite the injury to Erling Haaland.

Manchester City maintained their pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal by shrugging off the absence of the injured Erling Haaland to outclass Liverpool with a magnificent display at Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's reigning champions demonstrated their all-round strength by coming from a goal down against a Liverpool side who have made life so difficult for them in the past, to run out convincing winners. Jack Grealish made a crucial intervention on Salah when Liverpool had the chance to double their lead, crossing for Julian Alvarez to equalise after 27 minutes. John Stones delivered a masterclass in an unaccustomed role, and Ilkay Gundogan added the third after a goalmouth skirmish. Grealish deserved a goal and it duly arrived in the 74th minute when he timed his arrival perfectly to turn in De Bruyne's cross.

The 27-year-old England winger tormented Trent Alexander-Arnold, delivered an equaliser on a plate for Alvarez and then scored the fourth goal that gave the scoreline a more accurate reflection of City's supremacy The performance of Stones against Arsenal was a reminder to Arsenal that they will not give up their title without a fight. Liverpool have been the shadow on Manchester City's shoulder in the title races of recent times, and Jurgen Klopp's team have been mediocre this season. The midfield pairing of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho look tired and vulnerable, and Virgil van Dijk has lost much of his old authority at the heart of the defence. Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson were left exposed and City took full toll. Klopp looked furious and bemused at Liverpool's rank bad defending, lack of intensity and the manner in which they were over-powered, but given their previous form this season, he should not have been that surprised.