His demeanour on the touchline had made the importance of the game to Pep Guardiola clear.
Sometimes, when Liverpool broke forward, the Manchester City manager stood with his head in his hands, fearing what may come.
Once, when Anthony Taylor failed to award a foul against a Liverpool player who had dragged a City opponent to the ground, Guardiola turned away from the action in fury and stormed towards the bench, ripping his scarf from around his neck and hurling it to the floor.
It was decided by the finest of margins but when it was over and City had prevailed, Guardiola sank into a chair and talked about what it meant for the rest of the season.
He talked about an addiction to winning. He talked about the taste of winning and how you want it again and again. City are still in four competitions and Guardiola insisted they would not let up in pursuit of any of them.
Once again, there was no attempt at disguise. In the aftermath of a momentous victory that kept City’s title hopes alive, Guardiola looked exhausted but exultant. ‘I would like to have two months’ holiday right now,’ he said, knowing he was not going to get it.
‘For Liverpool the game was an important step but nothing changed.
‘They are still the leader in the Premier League and four points [gap] is not bad, but for us it was a real final and we played in that way and that was why I was so pleased.
‘It was almost over if we lost. Football in the Premier League is unpredictable. Wolves is able to win against Tottenham and three days later they don’t win at home. When I arrive here, people say that is the Premier League.
‘The exception was last season in our side and the exception was Liverpool so far this season. Normally, everybody drops points. But Liverpool! Of course they had chances tonight and you have to be lucky.
‘In Anfield last season, in the Champions League, their first three shots on target were goals. I’m not denying in some moments we were lucky but we fought for that. We were there to press, to try to play. I’m sorry but we deserved the win.’
Winning is so addictive that when you taste it you say: “Wow, I want more of that.” Today, we spoke about that. This game was a final for us. Lose and we would be almost out. You have to play in that way in the big games. Sometimes, playing every three days in December, it is almost impossible to keep that rhythm.’
The Spaniard manned the touchline throughout the match and was at his expressive best
Victory over Liverpool propelled City into a period of big games that will come thick and fast. On Sunday afternoon, they play Rotherham in the FA Cup and on Wednesday, they host Burton Albion in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. At the beginning of February, they play Arsenal and Chelsea on successive Sundays before resuming their Champions League campaign against Schalke.
‘If you want to be a top, top club for organisation,’ said Guardiola, ‘you cannot deny any game or drop any competition. I don’t know how far we are going to be because maybe the Carabao Cup is not good for our recovery but it is what it is. We are going to play the next game like a final, like today. We knew there were going to be a lot of games but everybody has a lot of games. The Premier League in December and January is so tough and demanding for everybody so we are not special.
‘Liverpool are out of the Carabao Cup so they have more time to prepare for the Premier League. But it is what it is. So I prefer to be in that position. We have a big enough squad. Kevin de Bruyne is coming back. Gundogan is coming back. Everybody is going to rotate and play. It’s the only way.’
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