Philippe Coutinho struck a stunning winner as Liverpool beat Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 on a thrilling afternoon at Anfield.

The Reds delivered the perfect response to their agonising Europa League exit with one of the most impressive victories of Brendan Rodgers' reign.

It was a Herculean effort from his Liverpool side just 55 hours after they had arrived back from Istanbul.

Jordan Henderson fired them in front before Edin Dzeko levelled before the break.

Both sides had their chances in the second half but it was Coutinho who made the decisive contribution – curling home his fifth goal of the season 15 minutes from time.

The little Brazilian magician shone throughout as Liverpool maintained their relentless pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Rodgers had freshened up his line up with four changes following their gruelling encounter with Besiktas. Henderson, Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic all started in place of Kolo Toure, Jordon Ibe, Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli.

The early kick-off contributed to a flat atmosphere early on but Liverpool's blistering start soon brought the Kop to life.

Inside eight minutes Coutinho released Lallana but he couldn't beat Joe Hart.

Lallana found the net seconds later with an exquisite finish into the roof of the net but he had strayed offside and it was ruled out.

In the 11 minute Liverpool were in front. Fernandinho sold Vincent Kompany short with a pass close to halfway and Coutinho pounced.

The Brazilian found Raheem Sterling who in turn picked out Henderson. The stand-in skipper cut inside on to his right foot and curled an unstoppable 20-yarder into the top corner.

City responded positively to going behind and could have levelled instantly. Aguero burst between Emre Can and Martin Skrtel before firing against the post with Simon Mignolet beaten.

With Sterling and Lallana both pressing relentlessly, Liverpool forced City into coughing up possession.

They could have added to their tally – Alberto Moreno cut inside before slicing wide and then no-one was on hand to convert Sterling's cross-shot after he had got away from Eliaquim Mangala.

Just when the Reds appeared to be in control they shot themselves in the foot as City equalised in the 26 minute.

It was a slick move but the marking was non-existent as David Silva and Aguero combined to find Dzeko, who tucked it past Mignolet.

Liverpool could have restored their advantage before the break. However, Lallana hooked narrowly wide from Markovic's pass and then Sterling's scuffed shot was gathered by Hart.

City should have taken the lead seconds into the second half but Aguero nodded over from Zabaleta's cross.

It remained an exciting, open contest with Liverpool continuing to look threatening as an attacking force.

Henderson, Coutinho and Lallana combined to find Sterling, who scuffed wide under pressure from Zabaleta.

Lallana had the ball in the net for a second time when he tucked away a nod down from Skrtel but again he was thwarted by the offside flag.

City made a change just before the hour mark as James Milner replaced Dzeko.

Allen produced one of his best displays in a Liverpool shirt as he put in a tireless shift in midfield and kept the hosts on the front foot.

With 15 minutes to go Anfield erupted. Coutinho looked up and dispatched a dipping 25-yarder beyond Hart and into the far corner.

Sturridge came on for Markovic and then Kolo Toure for Moreno. Henderson epitomised the Reds' work rate and commitment as twice in quick succession he shut down Yaya Toure and forced mistakes.

On the second occasion, Henderson's tenacity put a chance on a plate for Sturridge but he failed to hit the target.

Silva could have equalised late on but he fired wide as Liverpool deservedly held on to a cherished triumph.