Manchester City teach Liverpool harsh lesson as top four reality becomes clear

It looked as if history might be about to repeat itself on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool captain Taylor Hinds - the matchwinner at Leigh Sports Village last month - peeled away in celebration after her audacious effort gave the visitors a precious lead over title-chasing Manchester City. 35 days on from their last Women's Super League (WSL) fixture, the Reds were on course to cause another major top flight upset and further evidence their European credentials.

At least, they were until four minutes later, when Gemma Bonner inadvertently diverted Esme Morgan's cross into the back of her own net. It was a cruel blow for the centre-back, who has been in imperious form for Matt Beard's side of late.

Liverpool have just given Jurgen Klopp the answer to a question he can't stand

Liverpool could face another revamp as Mac Allister recovers from nightmare

But, with parity restored, City could smell blood. And they had no reservations about punishing a Liverpool side that has, for much of the campaign, looked a serious threat to the WSL's top order.

At the end of the 90 minutes, though, the enduring gulf that exists between the Reds and the division's long-established big-hitters was writ large on the scoreboard inside the Joie Stadium. Gareth Taylor's side had romped to a 5-1 victory and, in doing so, had served their visitors up a sobering slice of humble pie.

"We were the architects of our own downfall today," an incensed Beard admitted after the full-time whistle. "We get in front. The second and fourth (City) goals shouldn’t happen. It’s just frustrating, because we’ve set ourselves a high standard this year."

The Liverpool boss was right to feel disgruntled. City - a side whose formidable forward line need little