Liverpool rounded off an exciting 2016 with a hugely impressive 1-0 victory against Manchester City at Anfield on New Year’s Eve.
Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho were both forced to sit out but Emre Can was drafted into the starting lineup to bolster the midfield.
Roberto Firmino moved back into his preferred No. 9 role which meant Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge had to settle for a place on the bench.
It was Georginio Wijnaldum who broke the deadlock, scoring with a superb header after just eight minutes and Liverpool went on to dominate the first half.
Manchester City had to wait 53 minutes for their first shot on goal but they grew into the game and the Reds were under pressure in the second half.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side held on though, and it was a terrific tactical display which earned Liverpool a vital three points.
Here are all the best reactions from social media throughout the game.
Wijnaldum’s goal was superbly taken…
The Gini header was an absolute belter wasn't it?
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) December 31, 2016
WHAT A BRILLIANT GOAL! GINI!!!
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) December 31, 2016
The goal a good example of how signing of Wijnaldum has introduced more power/dynamism into @LFC midfield
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) December 31, 2016
As good a goal scored at Anfield as there has been all season; Terrific pass (Firmino) brilliant cross (Lallana), perfect header (Wijnaldum)
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) December 31, 2016
Simon Mignolet did a bit of risky showboating…
https://twitter.com/jigglylfc/status/815260836310765573
*Never thought I'd say this*
Mignolet just sent Aguero for a hot dog.
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) December 31, 2016
Firmino made Raheem Sterling look silly when he produced some excellent skill…
That was great between Firmino and Sterling. A proper duel for possession.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) December 31, 2016
Firmino just done Sterling
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) December 31, 2016
James Milner was trending after producing a wonderful pass through to Firmino…
https://twitter.com/eltariquinto10/status/815262725408440320
That's one hell of a pass from Milner. #LFC
— Jack Brain (@jackwbrain) December 31, 2016
Pinpoint pass by Milner, the guy does it all. Complete player. #LFC
— Football Polls ?? (@LiverpoolFooti) December 31, 2016
James Milner could find my dad with a pass and I've not seen him in 20 years
— Luke (@LukeBroadley1) December 31, 2016
Lucas Leiva came on as a late substitute and it could have been his last in a red shirt…
Is it Lucas swansong #LFC
— Paul Foreman (@redsmicer) December 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/815275244843888640
Liverpool held on to win 1-0 and fans were ecstatic…
Absolutely brilliant once again #LFC . Great things are on the horizon for this team, bring on 2017! Happy New Year my friends! #LFC
— Carl Clemente (@clemente_carl) December 31, 2016
What a win! Dug it out, not pretty but hey, we can defend if we get men behind the ball. Wijnaldum outstanding, Lovren + Klavan also great
— Paul Tomkins (@paul_tomkins) December 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/Robbie9Fowler/status/815277463739711488
LFC’s much maligned defence superb. City powderpuff – all possession, no penetration.
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) December 31, 2016
A different type of win, but a win nonetheless. Good end to 2016 & hopefully 2017 will continue in similar vein
— Andy Wales ?? (@AndyArmchair) December 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/Lil_Magician10/status/815277498409881601
LIVERPOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!
Happy New Year??????— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) December 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/JCLFC94/status/815277408328814593
https://twitter.com/Jasonbranagan79/status/815277357011501057
Get in! 1-0! *THAT* is how you end a sh*te year.
Not a sh*te year for #LFC though, far from it, only the start too.
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) December 31, 2016
Happy New Year @LFC
— Billy Liddell (@Liddellpool) December 31, 2016
GET IN!! Hanging on after an early goal ??
— Umarah (@_umara) December 31, 2016
Jurgen showed he can play a different hand!!not pretty but affective.ynwa
— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) December 31, 2016
Fantastic win, what a way to end 2016! ? pic.twitter.com/WRZAavHfa8
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) December 31, 2016
That is an absolutely huge three points. What a performance. Happy new year!
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) December 31, 2016
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