Even before a ball had been kicked, the reception outside Anfield gave an indication about who was going to win. The red flares filling the late autumn air, foreshadowing the Liverpool storm that would occur later.
Mind games had been the centre of attention in the build up before this match. Ederson did not start nor did David Silva as Liverpool were able to name their first choice side. Guardiola decided to play a back four with Angelino in on the left back - a decision that would come back to haunt him.
As with every game, VAR seems to be a talking point. Within minutes, after Manchester City had started well, a ball hit Alexander-Arnold on the arm but Michael Oliver waved it away. Liverpool then went up the other end and, with their first shot, scored. Fabinho smashed home a rocket to give his side the advantage. The handball? Alexander-Arnold was in a natural silhouette, according to VAR, but more importantly it hit Bernardo Silva's arm first so no penalty.
City continued to control the ball and went close from two free kicks. Sterling headed a great chance wide and somehow not one City player was able to connect with a wonderful ball in at the back post. Liverpool then went forward again, as Alexander-Arnold's sweeping pass to Robertson stretched City's fragile defence and the Scot put in his own wonderful ball and Salah headed in. Liverpool weren't controlling the tempo but all that mattered was the scoreline.
The rest of the half saw both sides have decent opportunities. Aguero failed to work Alisson three times when well positioned while Firmino and Salah forced saves from Bravo. Liverpool were overloading Angelino with Alexander-Arnold and Henderson and the defender couldn't cope. At half time, Liverpool were good value for their 2-0 lead as City's defence were all over the place.
Guardiola and his staff were enraged over the penalty decision at half time, but how would City respond? As bad as it could be. Down Angelino's side again, Henderson whipped in a beautiful cross, putting it on a plate for Sadio Mane to nod in. 3-0 and it all seemed so simple.
Questions have to be asked of Guardiola. He is at a club with unlimited resources yet he failed to replace the centre back sitting in the Sky studio. He also left out his best left back for tactical reasons. Overthinking can be a problem and Guardiola suffered from that today.
Although City's defence looked vulnerable with every Liverpool attack, their offensive play was still on the money. They would get a spell where they got Liverpool on the back foot and when that time came, they scored. A simple touch from Aguero would have reduced the deficit earlier but Bernardo Silva, who potentially shouldn't even be playing, did what Aguero didn't and acutely put the ball in the net.
The bombardment of City attacks continued for the rest of the game but Liverpool, marshalled by van Dijk and Lovren, held firm. Another penalty appeal against Alexander-Arnold was turned down, making Guardiola even more insane. The first one was not a penalty for me, the second also not.
Is it too early to suggest Liverpool have got their sacred league title in the bag? They are eight points ahead of 2nd place Leicester. Manchester City? 4th position. If it was meant to be a two horse race, then Chelsea and Leicester are most certainly in it.
Liverpool were good quality for the win. They deserved it with a much better offensive and, most importantly, defensive display. They look unbeatable at the minute, with the players oozing confidence and a manager that knows how to get the job done.
After what will be a 30 year drought, the English league title may finally be heading it's way back to Anfield.
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