Liverpool slip to fourth after Etihad defeat

Liverpool’s winning run ended at the hands of Manchester City, who secured a 2-1 win over the Reds at the Etihad Stadium yesterday afternoon.

Philippe Coutinho put Brendan Rodgers’ men in front of 24 minutes; only for City captain Vincent Kompany to draw the hosts level seven minutes later.

Alvaro Negredo then put the 2012 champions in front on the stroke of half-time after Simon Mignolet failed to handle the Spain international’s chip.

The Merseyside club, who began the day in first place, slipped to fourth after Arsenal and Chelsea both secured wins to move first and third respectively, while Manuel Pellegrini’s men are up to second.

Neighbours Everton remain fifth after losing for only the second time in the league this season, falling to a shock 1-0 defeat to bottom of the table Sunderland.

Liverpool will now turn their attention to Sunday afternoon’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where victory could see them return to the top of the table depending on Arsenal and Manchester City’s results against Newcastle United and Crystal Palace respectively.

The Reds will again be without Jon Flanagan, Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Jose Enrique and Sebastian Coates in this, the first meeting between the sides since the 2-2 draw at Anfield back in April where Luis Suarez bit Blues defender Branislav Ivanovic.