Mohamed Salah reveals the mistake that led to Liverpool's opening goal against Manchester City

The Reds took the lead after 14 minutes when Dominik Szoboszlai fell short for a corner and then fed the ball to Salah to score at the Etihad, with the shot going over Ederson after deflecting off Nathan Ake. It was a crucial moment, but more by accident than design, Salah explained after the match. " The ball wasn't supposed to go into that area . I'm joking," he told Sky Sports.

Szoboszlai, also interviewed, added: "We just said it wasn't the best assist. We practised it yesterday and I hope we can do it even more times. Finally, he [Salah] was able to find me too. It hasn't happened all the time, but I'm happy to score and give him an assist," the Liverpool midfielder added with a joke.

Arne Slot commented on the goal: "As a group, we analysed the play and someone came up with a brilliant plan and we knew there could be space. The deflection was very useful because it wasn't like we were dominating the game."

Szoboszlai played a unique role alongside Curtis Jones as a floating No10 at the Etihad, and it worked to devastating effect, with the former scoring a goal and providing an assist. His runs from the byline proved particularly difficult for City to stop, on a day when the reigning champions fell 20 points behind Liverpool.

"That was the plan, we played with two No. 10s and, as Mo said, they [City] controlled the game almost 90 percent. But in the end the result is ours and we are happy to take the three points home."

The surprising approach of the two No. 10s was matched by a slightly more conservative style from Slot, which allowed his team to drop back, absorb pressure and then attack quickly. Liverpool ended the match with just over a third of possession, but limited City to just a few decent chances at home.

The result leaves Liverpool 11 points clear of Arsenal, despite having played a game more. "There's no one who can catch Liverpool," said Jamie Carragher after the match.

"This Liverpool team has only lost one important game and that was against Forest. They lost in the Champions League when it was a decisive game, in the FA Cup when they changed the team and against Tottenham in the first leg. This team doesn't lose games."