Sergio Aguero denied Liverpool a fifth successive win over Manchester City in an action-packed draw.
James Milner had stepped up to open the scoring against his former club at the Etihad Stadium after Gael Clichy fouled Sadio Mane in the penalty area.
But Aguero ensured that Pep Guardiola’s side avoided a Premier League double reversal against the Reds when he converted a cross from Kevin de Bruyne.
Here were the key talking points from the Etihad:
No security in Reds’ top four quest
Liverpool’s latest visit to the Etihad was supposed to offer a statement of intent.
They headed into this game knowing that a win would give their top four hopes a massive boost, with Manchester United still breathing down their necks.
But they were unable to secure the three points they craved despite a strong performance and are left looking nervously over their shoulders again.
The Reds currently sit fourth in the table and are now just the same number of points ahead of Jose Mourinho’s side who, worryingly, have two games in hand.
Ahead of them, City and Tottenham also boast matches to spare which puts Liverpool in an unwanted position heading into the season’s business end.
A strong finish is required if their hopes of returning to the Champions League are to become a reality.
Form must be turned on its head
On the back of this result, Liverpool have now played all of the league’s top six sides this season, taking a more than credible 20 points from a potential 36.
But with five from the bottom half of the table ahead in their final nine games of the campaign, a repeat of those dominant performances is now required.
No slip-ups can be allowed – especially after succumbing to Swansea, Hull and Leicester City in recent weeks – if a return to Europe’s elite is to beckon.
Five of those games are at Anfield and given that Jurgen Klopp’s side boast the fourth-best home record in the Premier League, nothing but wins in all will be acceptable.
The small matter of a Merseyside derby with an in-form Everton after the international break will hand the Liverpool manager an unenviable task.
Mixed fortunes for Milner
In a professional career that has spanned over 15 years, Milner has endured good days and bad. This will not be one he will look back upon with fondness.
Liverpool’s makeshift endured a difficult afternoon on his 450th career appearance as he struggled to deal with City’s constant attacks down the right.
He was terribly exposed; struggling up against the pace of Raheem Sterling and then failing to get to De Bruyne to block his cross for the hosts’ equaliser.
Although he may have opened the scoring, from the penalty spot once again, this was still not one of Milner’s better afternoons in a red shirt.
Firmino needs to step up
So far, just like his team, 2017 has not proven to be a happy new year for Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian’s poor return of finding the net just three times in his past nine outings continued as he struggled up against John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.
On his first start since facing Arsenal a fortnight ago, he was presented with several clear opportunities but failed to take them.
He frustrated Adam Lallana after failing to pick out the England midfielder on a dangerous counter-attack.
With compatriot Phillipe Coutinho also struggling, Liverpool need Firmino to find his feet once again to ease the burden that continues to rest on Sadio Mane’s shoulders.