Philippe Coutinho in Liverpool Limelight as Henderson Proves Captain Credentials

ANFIELD—Liverpool produced a display to stir the memories of the last time Manchester City arrived at Anfield, disposing of the Premier League champions courtesy of two superb goals from Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho.

That last time, 10 months ago, Liverpool fans lined the streets of Anfield to welcome their side for what was a key game in the Premier League title challenge. A late Coutinho winner sent those fans home thinking their side were on the verge of ending their 24-year wait for a title success.

Alas, it wasn't to be and Brendan Rodgers' side won the battle but not the war with City lifting the title in May.

This time, Liverpool fans left Anfield buoyed by their side drawing level with fourth placed Arsenal, albeit for what could be a temporary time with Arsene Wenger's side playing shortly after.

There were several excellent performances for Liverpool, none more so than their two goalscorers.

Coutinho

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The decision to leave Coutinho at home for the trip to Turkey in the week was fully vindicated. The Brazilian playmaker had looked off his usual form in the three fixtures preceding the Reds' Europa League second-leg tie with Besiktas and he returned to his very best against City.

Perhaps there's something about playing City that brings the best out of Coutinho, who hit the winner in this fixture last season when the home side won 3-2. The two winning goals against City are arguably his best two in his Liverpool career.

Coutinho ran the show in the first half, constantly finding space between City's midfield and defence. Adam Lallana also enjoyed one of, if not the best, performances of his Liverpool career, with City's attacking midfield set-up leaving Fernandinho overrun.

Coutinho's goal was fully deserved and a wonderful moment for a player who is growing into one of the finest in the Premier League.

Post-match Rodgers praised Coutinho's humility and work ethic, when asked about his current level, the boss simply said: "very high." Quite how good Coutinho, still only 22, could end up developing to be is an exciting prospect for Liverpool supporters.

Henderson

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Behind Coutinho was Henderson, who produced a proper captain's performance alongside Joe Allen—who was also impressive for Rodgers' side.

Henderson opened the scoring with a superb curling effort that flew past Joe Hart in the 11th minute.

Both Coutinho and Henderson have been tasked with adding goals from midfield and they produced the goods when it mattered here.

Aside from his goal, Henderson was excellent, driving the side on and constantly providing encouragement and words for his team-mates. Early on there was a signal to Lallana to press the City defence—something Henderson then did himself to show exactly what he meant.

Shortly after, Henderson spoke to Dejan Lovren after the Croat misplaced a series of passes in quick succession. After his penalty miss in midweek Lovren looked nervy early on but grew into the game. Henderson took it on him to be the captain and speak to him within the first 10 minutes.

Then in stoppage time, it was Henderson who was throwing himself to block the challenge right down by the Kop end as City attempted to clear their lines.

After questions had been raised on his captain credentials recently, Henderson showed why he can lead this side in Steven Gerrard's absence.

A thoroughly deserved victory for Liverpool and Henderson and Coutinho deserve all the praise that will come their way post-match.

* Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise stated.

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