Revealed: Liverpool players shocked by Man City approach in hugely damaging title race defeat at Anfield

Liverpool set the tone by making a roaring start to proceedings at Anfield, putting their fragile opponents under immediate pressure. And their dominance told in the 12th minute when Cody Gakpo converted Mohamed Salah's cross to make it 1-0. The Egyptian turned goal-scorer in the second half to complete the victory in what proved to be a comfortable afternoon for Arne Slot and his side.

Haaland frustrated City fans by appearing to joke with Salah during and after the game. This wasn't an isolated incident: according to The Athletic, some Liverpool players were surprised by how relaxed their opponents appeared as the match progressed, with more of Pep Guardiola's men sharing a laugh with their rivals.

The defeat extended City's winless run in all competitions to seven matches, and it's clear there are issues within the club. The Athletic claim a selection of first-team players even failed to impress in a nine-versus-nine training exercise against a group of teenagers from their elite development squad last week.

A City side without Phil Foden will attempt to stop the rot against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening.