Manchester City's first win at Liverpool in five years, the first win inside Anfield with supporters present in 23 years, and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for Pep Guardiola and his players.
With performances somewhat faltering, a lack of rhythm in the Premier League at the start of the year, and a significant risk of Arsenal extending their advantage as City continued to suffer in the second half of matches in particular, this was certainly needed.
Liverpool brought a true test of Manchester City's on-the-ball quality, composure in front of goal, resilience when facing pressure in their own defensive third, and a mental strength to overcome adversity and fight to show whether they truly believe they have the quality to complete a top-flight comeback and claim the Premier League title in May.
The travelling Blues passed all those tests with flying colours. It wasn't by any means a perfect performance, but it was a real showcase of everything this side has been critiqued on in recent contests.
Gianluigi Donnarumma once again showed why City perhaps sacrificed their footwork perfection between the posts. Marc Guehi proved exactly what Liverpool had ultimately missed out on. Rodri upped his sharpness and looked much closer to his imperious best than we have seen him yet. Bernardo Silva outlined exactly why he is the ultimate captain in this Sky Blue side, with passion, understanding, experience and leadership all in his armoury,. And Erling Haaland did what Erling Haaland does best – score when he is needed most.
If Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are going to claim this title, they’re going to have to do it themselves and perhaps without any support from a Manchester City side who are refusing to back down, and look hungrier than ever to prove everyone wrong.
This wasn't just the claiming of three points for Guardiola and his players, but a mammoth psychological boost and message in the direction of north London.
We will fight until the very end.
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