Skrtel on City, Dejan and those two goals

On paper the odds were stacked against Liverpool. A gruelling Europa League contest with Besiktas that ended with defeat on penalties preceded a tiring return journey to Merseyside in the small hours of Friday morning.

Preparation for a lunchtime Barclays Premier League clash against the reigning champions was therefore restricted, denying Brendan Rodgers the time he cherishes to mould plans for his players on the training pitch pre-match.

But they say where there's a will, there's a way and the Reds proved it, matching and manipulating Manuel Pellegrini's powerful outfit across every second of a game that concluded 2-1 in their favour and with the Kop roaring.

A day later, Skrtel told Liverpoolfc.com: "To beat Manchester City is always something special, especially after the game we played against Besiktas, when we lost.

"There wasn't much time for recovery, but I'm glad we got fit and ready for the game and got the three points. It was very difficult because we played 120 minutes and then penalties and we lost the game.

"So physically and mentally it was very difficult. After the game we were very down and disappointed, but we were saying that we had to forget about that and focus on the next game.

"The game against Manchester City was very important for us and we had to be ready for it - and I'm glad we won."

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The strikes that carried Liverpool beyond City were of world-class pedigree and no doubt the subject of serious debate as to which was the finer, if indeed it is possible to split them.

Jordan Henderson produced the deadlock-breaker on 11 minutes, shrugging off the niggling pain of an ankle knock that required an injection to unleash a searing drive into the top right corner.

It wasn't long before Edin Dzeko levelled proceedings but, as he did in the same fixture last season, up popped Philippe Coutinho with a sublime winner worthy of his 'little magician' moniker.

"We played well, we played much better and deserved to win and get the three points," said Skrtel. "The way we got them, the two goals we scored by Philippe and Hendo, was unbelievable.

"It's not very often you see such nice goals in one game. I think it just showed the quality of our players. The performance from the whole team was brilliant and we are so pleased with the three points.

"Hendo missed the game against Besiktas and we missed him in that game. He had an injury and was a doubt for the game against Manchester City, but we are happy he played and scored that goal.

"It just showed how important he is for the team and showed his character.

"With the goal he scored, I think he should keep that strap for the ankle for every game, if he's going to score goals like he scored!

"Philippe is doing well. The goals he scored against Southampton and on Sunday were just brilliant, but it's not only about the goals.

"The way he is playing and performing is absolutely magnificent. At the moment, I think he is one of the best players in the Premier League."

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The weekend triumph extended the Reds' unbeaten streak in the division to 11 matches, eight of which have been won, as Rodgers' charges seek a Champions League qualification spot.

"We have played a lot of games without losing in the Premier League - we're performing well and getting points," the Slovakian added. "I hope we can carry on this way until the end of the season.

"But the important thing is just to be focused for the next game, take it from game to game as they come and try to get as many points as we can. Then we'll see where we finish at the end of the season."

The team's resurgence from a debilitating start to the campaign was founded on a tactical switch midway through December, the manager introducing a 3-4-3 system.

At the heart of a resoundingly sturdy back three has been Skrtel, summoning one of his most consistent periods of form since joining the club.

Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho were the players flanking the No.37 for much of the run, until an injury for the latter called for a switch in personnel.

Summer signing Dejan Lovren got the nod as a replacement and exhibited great character to help keep City at bay on Sunday, just three days after his spot-kick disappointment in Istanbul.

Skrtel explained: "It wasn't easy for him after the game against Besiktas, because he missed the penalty. But you can't blame him for that; penalties are always a big risk and a lottery.

"He's the one who missed, but that's football and that's life. He responded well and played really well on Sunday, helping the team to get three points.

"I was glad for him because he's a nice guy. I talk to him a lot, he's my neighbour and I'm glad he's getting to the form that he was in at Southampton.

"It's not easy to come to a club like Liverpool, because it's a big club and expectations are very high. It's not easy to come in and perform well from the first day until the last.

"In football and life you have bad days and better days - that's normal. I believe Dejan will perform well. He is showing his quality every day in training and also in the games he has played. I just hope he will carry on this way until the end of the season."

Rodgers' defensive ranks now include an Africa Cup of Nations winner, with Kolo Toure back in the fold following his success with Ivory Coast at the tournament last month.

The 33-year-old's services were needed for the final moments against City, his former club, to ensure Sergio Aguero and co could not breach Liverpool a second time.

"The team and the football club is not only about the 11 players on the pitch, it's always about the whole team - the players, the coaching staff, the physio staff are all part of the team," said Skrtel.

"Especially when you have a lot of games, as we have had until now, you need a big squad and every single player from the team. Kolo is a nice guy, a funny guy and a very good player.

"When he plays, he always does his job well. It was the same on Sunday; he came into the game and just dealt with it and did his job. That's how it should be every time."

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