Liverpool's hopes of defending their Premier League title are all but over after a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp opted not to start either of the defensive reinforcements he made during the January transfer window, instead continuing with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson at centre-back.

The Brazilian was at fault when City were awarded a penalty in the first half, tripping Raheem Sterling as he made his way towards goal.

Ilkay Gundogan spurned the chance to open the scoring, though, blazing his spot kick over the crossbar.

The German atoned for his error at the start of the second half, though, pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area to give City the lead.

Pep Guardiola's side suffered a setback when Ruben Dias brought down Mohamed Salah, who converted the resulting penalty to equalise.

However, the visitors proved too strong for the defending champions. Alisson's mistake allowed Phil Foden to tee up Gundogan for his second goal.

Three minutes later, Liverpool's goalkeeper presented the ball to City again, with Bernardo Silva crossing for Sterling to nod home against his former club.

Foden completed City's outstanding second half display, smashing the ball past Alisson after cutting inside on his left foot.

The win - City's first at Anfield since 2003 - takes Guardiola's men five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and 10 points ahead of fourth place Liverpool.