Liverpool 2, Manchester City 1: First Thoughts

Liverpool 2: Henderson 11', Coutinho 75'
Manchester City 1: Dzeko 25'

• Pre-match thoughts: No real surprises in Brendan Rodgers' starting eleven, but it was disappointing to see that Mamadou Sakho wasn't quite ready to return. That meant more Dejan Lovren in a central defensive role, but this time he stayed on the left and Emre Can, who's rapidly turning to dust, stayed right. As expected, Daniel Sturridge started on the bench along with every other striker in the senior squad.
  
• This fixture would be really fun for people that aren't Liverpool (or City, I assume) supporters. City was the better side out of the blocks, but the hosts gradually wrested control back after a nervy opening ten minutes.
• JORDAN HENDERSON WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
• Incredible strike from the vice captain. Initially looked like he took too heavy a touch, but he recovered quickly and hit an unstoppable drive past Joe Hart. What a goal and what a celebration.
• City's response wasn't immediate, but the visitors almost immediately answered back through Sergio Aguero on a mix-up between Simon Mignolet and two of his defenders.
• They eventually did level it up through a lovely team goal. David Silva was the catalyst, and smart movement throughout the front line confused Liverpool's already shaky back line. In the end with was Edin Dzeko with an assured, unbothered finish past a helpless Mignolet.
  
• Back and forth they went, with Adam Lallana spurning a chance after a lovely chipped ball over the top from Lazar Markovic. It would have been difficult to even get on frame let alone past Hart, but still, encouraging stuff and a positive display from both of the summer signings.
• Half-time thoughts: What a wonderful half of football if it wasn't so terrifying. Dejan Lovren had a nervy showing and City looked rampant at times, but Liverpool got their shots in and should have left feeling confident about their chances. While some of City's interplay going forward is stunning to watch, Liverpool's creative contingent produced some lovely stuff of their own, and it was all set up for an exciting second half.
  
• No changes for either side, and it was nearly moments again as some last-ditch defending from Liverpool kept the match level. Not as much danger going forward for the hosts, but they weren't too bothered at the back either. Still unnerving, and Mignolet never looked entirely settled either despite making a handful of confident catches.
• PHIL PHIL PHIL PHIL PHIL PHIL PHIL
• What an incredible strike from Liverpool's best player over the past two months. Hart again beaten by a lovely curling effort, Liverpool again with a one-goal lead against City at Anfield.
• And hey, City almost claw one back shortly after! Aguero went miserably close to equalizing with a shot across the bow.
• A one-goal lead against the second-place team I'm not nervous hahahahaha right guys it's cool
• /faints
• /wakes back up, sees Henderson press Yaya Toure out of possession and Daniel Sturridge almost score on a snap shot, faints again
• Hey neat, how about they send me into a coma?!? No way that David Silva shot didn't go in. Camera angle had it tucked neatly into the side netting, but nobody was celebrating, which was confusing.
• Three minutes added time, and Jordan Henderson is lecturing Mark Clattenburg. Hero. A tame shot from Aguero is City's only remaining chance.
• Full-time thoughts: WHAT A WIN FOR LIVERPOOL! Two wonderful goals win it, and suddenly they're level on points with Arsenal and just two behind United in third. Wow.
  

We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, join the community on the Liverpool Offside, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.