Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-1 at Etihad stadium to maintain the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Impressively, City hit four goals past Liverpool without Erling Haaland.

City's 42-goal striker was ruled out with a groin injury, but City thumped the visitors despite initially going 1-0 down.

Liverpool caught City with a counter-attack after 17 minutes to take the lead, Diogo Jota making the break before Mohamed Salah applied a thumping finish.

But City fought back as Jack Grealish laid on a cross for Julian Alvarez to equalise after 27 minutes.

Alvarez was then the creator as City went ahead 53 seconds after the break, his raking pass finding Riyad Mahrez, who crossed for Kevin de Bruyne to slide home from close range.

With City in total control Ilkay Gundogan added the third after a goalmouth skirmish.

Grealish deserved a goal and it duly arrived in the 74th minute when he turned in De Bruyne's cross as Liverpool ended beaten 4-1.

John Stones had a day to remember, playing superbly in a surprise midfield role for the hosts.