Brendan Rodgers insists there were plenty of positives for Liverpool to take from their performance at Manchester City on Boxing Day - despite succumbing to a narrow 2-1 defeat.

Despite battling hard to force an elusive equaliser, Liverpool slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad on Thursday evening – here is how the game unfolded in pictures.

Liverpool could consider themselves unfortunate not to have taken something from a pulsating contest as they went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Manchester City on Boxing Day.

Brendan Rodgers has made one change to the line-up for Liverpool's Barclays Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad today.

Liverpool take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday - for the best coverage follow the game on the official website, social media, mobile and LFC TV.

Keep track of everything that happens as Liverpool take on Manchester City with our live match centre - featuring text updates, audio commentary, statistics, scores from elsewhere and more.

Jon Flanagan's recent resurgence into the Liverpool first team has been all the sweeter for the man in question given that the defender had previously pondered whether his chance had passed by.

Manchester City fan Joseph McKenna provides the view from the Etihad Stadium ahead of this afternoon's top-of-the-table clash – and attempts to explain just what makes his team so formidable at home.

Steven Gerrard expects Liverpool to 'surprise a few people' with their capabilities this season, although the Reds captain will not countenance talk of a Barclays Premier League title challenge just yet.

Brendan Rodgers is delighted that Liverpool will usher in Christmas Day as league leaders, but is determined to ensure that supporters enjoy the gift of first place long after the festive season.

Our photographers were at Melwood on Tuesday to capture the Liverpool squad continuing preparations for upcoming festive fixtures at Manchester City and Chelsea.

Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his delight at the 'excellent' form of Mamadou Sakho – and predicted that the French defender will only continue to get better.

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool will head to Manchester City with the 'confidence and belief' to reward fans with another gift for this festive period, having provided them with the perfect present of being top of the table on Christmas Day.

Brendan Rodgers today issued a special Christmas message to Liverpool supporters around the world.

Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on the injuries currently affecting his Liverpool squad ahead of heavyweight encounters against Manchester City and Chelsea later this week.

Chelsea FC have made a guide available for visiting away fans ahead of Liverpool's Barclays Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge this Sunday, December 29.

How did you get on with the 25 questions we set you in our annual Christmas Day quiz? Here are the answers - the winners of our EASPORTS FIFA 14 star prize will be notified next week.

For all of the hard work carried out around Liverpool Football Club throughout 2013, there have been numerous comical moments that will live long in the memory too – and we have selected our favourites in a special video.

Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet's festive wishlist for 2013 includes just a single item – a victory over Manchester City for Liverpool when the two sides go head-to-head on Boxing Day.

Brendan Rodgers today revealed how a tactical shift has helped bring the best out of Raheem Sterling and allowed him to turn in a string of outstanding displays following his return to the team.

Pore over all of the best pre-match facts and figures ahead of Liverpool's trip to Manchester City on Boxing Day, courtesy of club statistician Ged Rea - including why we should be guaranteed goals at the Etihad Stadium.

With Liverpool set to enjoy Christmas Day at the top of the table, Daniel Rhodes ponders whether Reds fans can dare to dream yet...

Brendan Rodgers previewed Liverpool's Boxing Day visit to Manchester City with a press conference on Tuesday, which can now be watched on demand by LFCTV Online subscribers.

Liverpool Football Club have confirmed that all away-end tickets for the Barclays Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad have sold out.

There was a familiar face spotted walking the corridors of Melwood on Monday afternoon as on-loan midfielder Suso returned to Merseyside to reacquaint himself with old friends and surroundings.

Mamadou Sakho has called on Liverpool to shatter Manchester City's formidable home record with a victory at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.

Welcome to the annual bumper LFC Christmas Day quiz and this year we have a very special prize on offer.

Kolo Toure believes Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has the quality to become 'one of the best' managers in the world.

A hilarious tongue-in-cheek style double act Christmas chat with Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh is the centrepiece of Episode 20 of #LFCWORLD – which is now available on demand for LFCTV Online subscribers.

Liverpool take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day - for the best coverage follow the game on the official website, social media, mobile and LFC TV.

Ahead of Christmas Day, our '10 of the best...' feature this week focuses on some memorable strikes from the festive period.

Our latest edition of LFCCTV turns the spotlight on the sparkling display from Luis Suarez against Cardiff City on Saturday – and is now available on demand for LFCTV Online subscribers.

Supporters travelling to Stamford Bridge for Liverpool's clash with Chelsea on Sunday, December 29 should note the following information:

Joe Allen declared his delight at the news that Luis Suarez has committed his long-term future to Liverpool Football Club.