The battle has been fought here for more than two decades, and with that charged backdrop, Liverpool’s performance on the field has stirred feelings. The Reds were not picked to be title contenders this season, with most predictions calling for them to be battling for one of the Champions League places, awarded to the top four finishers. Indeed, the only thing more surprising this season than Manchester United’s collapse into irrelevancy may be Liverpool’s rapid ascent.

The Reds have done it through will and pluckiness and, often, the goals of Luis Suárez. Suárez did not score Sunday, but he did play a significant part as Liverpool was flying from the opening whistle, moving with such speed in the opening stages that it seemed as if Manchester City’s players were chasing shadows.

“We just have to play with no fear,” said Rodgers, the manager.

That is rarely a problem for Suárez, who will never be known as the calm, quiet type. He was booked inside five minutes after a needlessly late tackle on Martín Demichelis. True to form, Suárez came up barking at the referee, but then, true to form, Suárez dazzled moments later, slipping a perfect through ball to Raheem Sterling.

Sterling, a young wing, showed no signs of nerves: He shed Vincent Kompany, then danced alongside Joe Hart, the onrushing goalkeeper, before coolly depositing the ball into the net. The Kop end of the stadium erupted anew.

The fans roared even louder when Martin Skrtel headed home a perfect corner kick by Gerrard less than 20 minutes later. City, it seemed, was on the precipice of being knocked out.

City, however, found some fight and controlled play for much of the rest of the game. David Silva scored off a pretty pass from James Milner early in the second half, and City benefited when Liverpool defender Glen Johnson turned the ball into his own net to level the score with a half-hour remaining. With its two games in hand, City would have been plenty pleased with a draw.