Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler defended the players after last night's 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City.

Fowler downplayed criticism of the performance, saying Liverpool's achievements this season make up for it.

"I wouldn't go so far as to say it was an embarrassing performance," he said. "It was a disappointing performance.

"I know Raheem [Sterling] said he thought City started well, but I thought Liverpool started the first 20-25 minutes as good as any on the day.

"But goals win games, and once De Bruyne started playing, he's different class, isn't he?

"The final third is where the game is won, and that's where they looked clinical, whereas Liverpool seemed to huff and puff in the final third.

"It was a disappointing night for Liverpool, but City for 65 minutes were brilliant, every time they went forward they looked like they could carve Liverpool open.

"Defensively, Liverpool weren't at it. This is a team that had conceded 21 goals prior to tonight.

"Every time they looked vulnerable every time City would come at them, and that's down to the class City have got.

"It was understanding considering where Liverpool are and what they've achieved so far."