Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho suggests Liverpool could struggle with pressure of leading

City reduced the gap at the top to four points with their 2-1 victory on Thursday night

Fernandinho believes it will not be easy for Liverpool to stay at the top of the Premier League table after their defeat to Manchester City.

City reduced the gap at the top to four points with their 2-1 victory in a pulsating encounter at the Etihad on Thursday night.

The defeat was Liverpool’s first of the league season and Jurgen Klopp’s side must now respond to having the momentum in this year’s swept from underneath them.

Fernandinho demonstrated his importance to City once again, with the midfielder putting in a tireless, tenacious performance which belied his 33 years of age.

The Brazilian believes that City’s victory, secured by goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sané, puts significant pressure on Liverpool to preserve their four-point lead.

“Four points is going to be an interesting rest of the season for both teams,” he said. “They are still leaders and they have a lot of games to play as well.

“It is not easy to stay there at the top because the pressure is so high. You have to win every game, so we will see what happens in the end.”

Fernandinho added: “I was so glad because my team, we start so well.

“Beginning of the second half, we suffer a little bit and after that even when they get the ball possession, we defend so well, didn’t concede many chances.

“This is the best way to play. Whoever wants to be champions has to be able to attack and defend.”

City’s title defence was damaged over Christmas with unlikely defeats at home to Crystal Palace and away to Leicester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side returned to winning ways at Southampton last Sunday before confirming a return to form against Liverpool.

Fernandinho, however, does not believe that the reigning champions had a point to prove simply because of losing three of their last six league outings before Thursday.

“No, not at all. We have a point to prove every game,” he said.

“After last season where we were able to make 100 points – 50 points away, 50 points at home – so you have to keep going and play every game and try to win.

“Everyone has this responsibility in mind, to play good football, to try to win every game. You have to prove every game, not just today.”