There was a moment with just over an hour played when Jordan Henderson picked up possession in the centre circle. He looked up, waited, looked up some more and eventually, having no other option, floated a long ball forward.

Chris Smalling won the header against Sadio Mane and another Liverpool attack withered into nothingness. The impetus of November and December has ebbed away and, although the Reds still have the title race in their own hands, there is a distinct sense that the momentum is now with Manchester City.