Pep Guardiola saluted his "fearless" Manchester City stars after the champions kept their Premier League title bid alive with a vital 2-1 win over leaders Liverpool on Thursday. Guardiola's side had no margin for error as a defeat would have left them 10 points behind the Reds and in danger of surrendering the title they won in record-breaking fashion last season.

But they rose to the challenge in thrilling style, beating Liverpool for the first time in five meetings thanks to Leroy Sane's superb strike in the second half. Sergio Aguero had put City ahead in the first half and although Roberto Firmino equalised after the interval, City held their nerve with a courageous display that had Guardiola singing their praises.