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Liverpool (AP) - For coach Jürgen Klopp and the English soccer champions FC Liverpool, the title defense after a gala by Ilkay Gündogan has moved into the distance.

Against Premier League leaders Manchester City, the Reds clearly lost 1: 4 (0: 0) at home and received two goals from the outstanding Gündogan.

After their third home defeat in a row, Liverpool are ten points behind leaders Man City, who also played one game less.

"If you lose 1: 4, that is of course not your day," said Klopp at Sky Sports, "but I've seen phases from my team that were brilliant."

The Reds had a little more play in their own stadium, but struggled with City's defense, which had not conceded a goal in the past five league games.

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After 37 minutes, the guests had their first chance to take the lead.

After Liverpool's Fabinho fouled City striker Raheem Sterling, Gündogan, who had been in good shape for months, took the penalty - and failed.

He shot the penalty well over Alisson's goal.

Even after the half-time break, Liverpool were initially the more active team, but then Gündogan met (49th minute).

Mohamed Salah (63.) marked the equalizer for the Reds with a penalty.

But Man City benefited shortly afterwards from two unusual dropouts by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

Again Gündogan (73rd) and then Raheem Sterling (76th) scored to win City, before Phil Foden (83rd) got the final score.

"We played really well," said Gündogan happily at the BBC microphone.

"Apart from the penalty, they had no chance to score a goal."

"Alisson has saved our lives often enough, today he made two mistakes, that's the way it is," said Klopp.

After 23 games, Liverpool have 40 points - 27 fewer than last season at the same time.

That is the biggest difference in points for an English football champion in history.

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On the other hand, Man City continued its successful streak and also set a historic record.

"A huge victory for us," said coach Pep Guardiola, who did not want to talk about the championship yet.

"It's an important win, but it's only February," said the coach.

Across all competitions, his team has won 14 games in a row.

Only two clubs managed that before.

Preston North End's streak ended in 1892, Arsenal's in 1987. On Wednesday, City set the sole record in the cup match at second division Swansea City.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210207-99-341199 / 3

Match report Liverpool v Man City