Jordan Henderson insists Liverpool will not allow Manchester City defeat to dent their confidence

Liverpool captain believes there were enough tight calls that could have gone his side’s way rather than City’s for the league leaders to avoid hitting the panic button

Jordan Henderson does not see why Liverpool should lose heart following their defeat by Manchester City, insisting there is no need for the Premier League leaders to lose confidence.

City cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to four points in what was an enthralling game at the Etihad, with Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sané's goals earning the defending champions a 2-1 victory.

It was the first defeat of the Premier League season for Liverpool, who almost opened the scoring when Sadio Mané hit the post in the first half, then came within 11.2 millimetres of when John Stones' hit the rebounding ball against his goalkeeper Ederson and was forced to clear it off the goal-line.

Henderson believed Liverpool ultimately came out second best in a tight contest, but he does not believe that losing the unbeaten record should cause much worry or consternation.

“There is no need to get carried away," he said. "All season we have taken it game by game and we will do that again. It is normal to be disappointed by a defeat. Now it is about reaction and I am sure the lads will react in the right way.

"Why would you lose confidence after a game like tonight? It could have been different," Henderson added. "The Premier League is a tough league, the games keep coming. We need to be ready and we will be.”

“In terms of the result we are disappointed. We were beaten by a very good City team but there were still moments in the game where we could have scored one or two more. We just have to accept the defeat.

“We created chances – a big one in the first half [Mané/Stones' opportunity] and a few in the second – and things could have been different with a little bit of luck. That is how football is sometimes. We have to move quickly. It is all about the reaction now and we have to react in the next game."

After Monday's FA Cup tie away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool return to Premier League action by travelling to Brighton next weekend. City, meanwhile, welcome Wolves to the Etihad on 13 January.

“I am confident we can bounce back," Henderson said. "There were moments in the game where we had the momentum, but unfortunately we got done with the second goal. Overall we must keep our heads high. The lads have been brilliant all season and need to take it forward.

Henderson believes Liverpool have no reason to panic despite losing to City (EPA)

“I felt second half we stayed in the game and there were periods we were keeping it around their box but City are a good side and they are always going to create chances.

"With a little bit of luck it is different, especially with the first half chance. If that goes over the line it can change the game. But it never so we have to bounce back.

“I am sure it was a great game for neutrals, two good teams going at it. Tactically it was a good game – very intense. We both had our moments and they have nicked it. Overall we are disappointed because we thought we could get something."