Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson admits their defending was poor for defeat at Manchester City.

The Reds were thumped 4-1, despite taking the lead.

"I think that was a big moment in the match and we didn't react well after the second goal," Henderson told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.

"[We] didn't defend it well enough. From then the game sort of ran away from us. In the end we couldn't get anywhere near City. We're disappointed [with the] second half and that decided the game.

"It's very difficult. That's what they're good at when they go in the lead, they keep the ball away and wait for the right moments. It's really difficult to press and try to win the ball back – from the second goal they dominated the game."

Liverpool now face a swift turnaround ahead of the midweek visit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which will again come in the Premier League.

"We've got to try to keep going," Henderson added. "There were good moments in the first half. If we're being critical, we probably should go 2-0 up – or at least score a second goal.

"We weren't ruthless enough in either our box or their box, and that's where the game [was] decided really. Overall, a really disappointing day, but the games come round thick and fast and you can't be too down. You have got to try to react in the right way, try to use the positives and try to be better in the things we didn't do well and keep going."