Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he was delighted with his side's "perfect" result in their 4-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Reds took the lead in the seventh minute when Eliaquim Mangala diverted the ball into his own net and Philippe Coutinho doubled his team's advantage before Roberto Firmino added a third to put them in control of the match.
Sergio Aguero got the Citizens back into the contest on the stroke of half time, but Klopp's side were resolute at the back to hold the home side at bay until Martin Skrtel secured their win with a stunning volley in the 81st minute.
Klopp told BBC Sport: "It feels perfect. The game was not perfect but it was very good. City couldn't start like they want but that is important for us. We played with big passion and that's the most important thing for us.
"The good news is that we can do better. At half time, I told the boys they were surprised to be winning 3-0, and we must do better in that situation.
"We have quality, we could have more goals but 4-1 is perfect. The boys can believe now that they are stronger than many people think."
Liverpool moved up to ninth in the Premier League as a result of their win.