3 takeaways from Liverpool's comprehensive 4-1 win at Manchester City

Liverpool streamed through Manchester City's back line like a knife through butter to batter its northwest rival 4-1 on Saturday. The outcome was mainly thanks to a three-goal deluge in the first half courtesy an Eliaquim Mangala own goal, and a strike each from Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.

Sergio Aguero did reduce the deficit with a characteristically precise finish from outside the area towards the end of the opening 45 minutes, but it ended up being a mere consolation.

Martin Skrtel met a loose ball with a sweet volley on 81 minutes to add gloss to what was a professional and comprehensive victory for the Reds and one, to the delight of the away support at Eastlands, where former player Raheem Sterling was ineffectual.

Here are the three biggest takeaways:

Questions over Pellegrini's team selection

The return of Aguero to City's lineup somewhat clouded a couple of questionable selections to the home side's first 11.

The most alarming was the benching of Fernandinho, who has been Manuel Pellegrini's most consistent performer this term. Yaya Toure, intended for a holding midfield role, was undisciplined in his position and was found cropping up in all areas of the pitch. It left Fernando solely dealing with the Reds' industrious attacking midfield for much of the opening period.

Realising his error, Pellegrini hauled off the Ivorian at halftime and Fernandinho was reinstalled to his rightful place in the lineup.

Another peculiar choice was the use of Martin Demichelis in defence. The veteran Argentine has been linked with a move back to his homeland and hadn't started a club match since the 4-1 loss at Tottenham in September.

With Vincent Kompany out injured, a decision had to be made, but choosing the 34-year-old against the pacey Reds attack over the in-form Nicolas Otamendi was baffling.

Gegenpressing, Scouse style

The "Gegenpressing" style that drew plaudits during Jurgen Klopp's reign at Borussia Dortmund has found its scrappy Scouse cousin on Merseyside.

Given the wealth of possession enjoyed by the home side, there was certainly an element of smash-and-grab with Liverpool's three first-half goals, but each one was down to a ball won in the midfield that was quickly turned into a blistering counter attack.

What the lineup lacked in attacking options (there was no out-and-out striker in the starting XI) was certainly made up for with players of excellent work ethic and who aren't shy in the tackle.

Lucas Leiva and Emre Can were tough in the middle, while the likes of Adam Lallana and James Milner would've still hounded after the ball if it had left the stadium in the back of the Bugatti Veyron.

Benteke will have to work hard to regain his place

When Firmino and Coutinho saw who was at the back for City, they must have exchanged a knowing nod.

The duo were frightening at times going forward, streaking past City's flat-footed defence and chasing up lost causes when out of possession. If Coutinho continues to thrive under his new manager, there is no reason why he can't collect the PFA Player of the Year gong at the end of the domestic campaign.

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