Liverpool succumbed to their first league defeat of season, losing 2-1 at Man City, but fans remained optimistic as the Reds remain top of the table.

Man City 2-1 Liverpool

Premier League, The Etihad

January 3, 2019

Goals: Aguero 41′, Sane 72′; Firmino 64′

A frantic and relentless clash with City saw Liverpool fall to their first Premier League defeat of the season.

Goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane ensured Roberto Firmino‘s second-half strike was all but a consolation for the Reds in what was an evening of mixed performances for Jurgen Klopp‘s men.

It was a game decided by the finest of margins, but despite the defeat Liverpool remain four points clear at the top of the table after 21 games.

Here’s how supporters reacted to the result on social media and our forums.

Disbelief was the overriding emotion as Liverpool’s early effort on goal somehow failed to cross the line…

That move from Liverpool was utterly delicious. Incredible clearance from Stones, how that hasn't gone in is beyond me.#LFC #MCILIV — Scott Groom (@ScottCGroom) January 3, 2019

“How the hell did that stay out…?” – Caradoc on the forums.

HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN?!?!?!?! — Erin Mc (@ErinNYC75) January 3, 2019





Quite how there wasn't a goal there is anyone's guess. #LFC should be ahead. They aren't. Mane hit the post and City cleared off the line, I know that. — Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) January 3, 2019

“Can’t believe how close that was. Must have been a millimetre.” – Mascot88 on the forums.

Fuck me hows that stayed out. I’m a mess. — The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) January 3, 2019

Fans remained optimistic after heading into half-time a goal behind, but noted there were clear areas for improvement…

Don’t think you can have too many complaints about Liverpool’s performance so far. Some exceptionally brave individual showings and very, very unlucky to not have a goal. Brilliant finish by Aguero. Still a long way to go. — Jack Sear (@JackSear) January 3, 2019



https://twitter.com/TheKopMagazine/status/1080929607937855488

“We look very scared and are far too cagey. Need to try and play our own game. A moment of magic and a terrible bit of luck the difference.” – Clive Pullen on Facebook.

No need for panic. Played well for large chunks, undone by a bad decision, brilliant striker and a defender who isn't good enough. Big second half required – if it doesn't happen, we're still four points clear! — Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) January 3, 2019





Yeah it's all Napoli away again. The midfield can't hold the ball for a sustained period of time. We're constantly losing the ball and have to defend. — P (@ThaRegistaRole) January 3, 2019

“Its a great finish but Lovren has to do better. Seems slow to everything tonight, as is Milner who clearly is a yard off the pace. “Need Fabinho or Keita on in the middle for Henderson. “Played far too many aimless long balls, when we played it quickly on the deck we opened them up. “Come on the reds!” – Iluvatar on the forums.

Lads need too bloody stick a few passes together in midfield and calm the tempo the fuck down. Can't be looking to hit the through ball button everytime. This ain't FIFA 07. #MCILIV #LFC — D E E P D A S T A R D L Y (@srijandeep) January 3, 2019



https://twitter.com/Ste_Halliwell11/status/1080929557874647040



Half time, game definitely not over. — Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) January 3, 2019

Fans praised Fabinho’s instant impact and Van Dijk’s superiority…

https://twitter.com/beccaparry10/status/1080950938565861377



Van Dijk jaw-dropping again. If we had two of him at the back we'd never concede a goal. — Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) January 3, 2019





Change has made massive difference for #LFC – Fabinho sitting in allowing full backs to go much higher, and where did goal come from? (One full back to another if you're one if the 12 people not watching) — David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) January 3, 2019





Fabinho makes all the difference in midfield in terms of keeping the ball and making the cutting edge passes has to start regularly now! #LFC — Darren Bleasdale (@Darren__1996) January 3, 2019





Fabinho’s a defensive midfielder with more attacking minded passes than the entire display from the midfield in the first half. Should have started. FFS. One good ball forward, allowed entire front 3 to take up residence in their box, letting Trent & Robbins do stuff they do. — ML (@FootyML) January 3, 2019





Fabinho has to start most of the games. A progressive midfield is the way forward. On to the next one!? — Anduril Flame of the West (@mrmaiden1) January 3, 2019





Is there a bigger gulf in class between two CBs than VVD and Lovren? — Kristian Sturt (@FootieWriter) January 3, 2019





This is the perfect example of why Van Dijk isn’t the only reason our defence has become elite. He’s been fucking tremendous. His partner not so much — SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) January 3, 2019

But, Lovren’s performance came under scrutiny at the final whistle…

Lovren was the difference tonight. — Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein) January 3, 2019





Unquestionably the worst individual performance I've seen from anyone, anywhere, this season – and what a game to choose for it. — Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) January 3, 2019

“Lovren remains the weakest link.” – trygve76 on the forums.

Still think that defeat was tough on #LFC. Needed a bit more composure (and, perhaps, someone other than Lovren in heart of defence). — Paul Grech (@paul_grech) January 3, 2019

“Ffs Lovren can do nothing right tonight.” – Arminius on the forums.

I’ll defend Lovren when he’s blameless and 90% of the time that’s the case. The other 10% is tonight when he’s truly awful. One mistake and mentally he’s gone which creates all that comes after it. Also, if you think it’s because he did an interview you are a massive weirdo. — Dan McLaughlin (@Dan23_92) January 3, 2019





Lovren's out of his depth here unfortunately. — Jack Lusby (@jacklusby_) January 3, 2019





Dejan Lovren easily could’ve cost us 4/5 goals in that match from stupid mistakes. Too often trying to play offside, the man needs to leave. — LiverpoolFF (@LiverpoolFF) January 3, 2019

Overall, fans remained upbeat as Liverpool maintain a four point buffer at the top…

The real test is how #LFC respond in their next game. Still a four point gap between them and #MCFC – every Reds fan would have taken that two weeks ago. — Matt Addison (@MattAddison97) January 3, 2019





Didn’t play great but had some really hard lines there. All about the reaction now. Still 4pts clear. Brush it off and move on to the next. Still a scenario which seemed implausible only a month or so ago. — Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) January 3, 2019





No matter the result tonight we go into the next game in a great position. Just have to hit the reset button and treat each opponent. each fixture as we have been, with respect. — Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) January 3, 2019





Was always going to be fine margins against City. We are still in a great position and only United left out of big six to play away. Time to give some of our stars a rest and come back fighting. No point dwelling. #LFC — Si Steers (@sisteers) January 3, 2019





Gutting that but what a game of football. Aside, City quite fortunate with numerous clearances. Can't see #LFC in a tougher fixture of the rest of the season. All signs remain positive depsite the setback! — Brian Irvine (@btirvine) January 3, 2019





Gutted, but City were good, we were unlucky at times, and we’re still top of the league, regardless. — Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) January 3, 2019



