Liverpool were relentless against Manchester City on Sunday, producing an all-conquering performance to win 3-1 at Anfield.

It was completely different to the display seen against Genk five days earlier, when the Reds rarely got out of second gear, despite winning 2-1.

There seemed to be a concerted effort to preserve energy ahead of the visit of City – something former Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt is convinced about.

Writing for De Telegraaf, via Sport Witness, the Dutchman thought it paid off, with legs still full of life for Sunday’s game:

What I noticed that evening at Anfield was that everything was already dominated by Sunday’s game.

You could see, notice and feel that Liverpool would do anything to give everything to City.

“o defeat Pep Guardiola’s team, Jürgen Klopp told everyone, everything had to be right at Liverpool.

He demanded the maximum from the players, from his entire training staff, from supporters, from everyone at the club to the hotdog sellers.

Klopp knows how to create such an atmosphere of solidarity. It worked out that way. If you saw how the stadium was in total ecstasy against City.

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It made perfect sense for Klopp to prioritise City over Genk, with Anfield a very different place for the latter, both on the pitch and in the stands.

The Reds played within themselves on an ultimately forgettable night in the Champions League, before outplaying Pep Guardiola’s side and pulling nine points clear of them in the Premier League title race.

Klopp played it to perfection, as Liverpool continue to cement their status as the best club side in the world.

Will Liverpool win the Premier League title this season?

Yes

No