City were facing the prospect of being out of the Premier League top five come the end of the weekend, but picked up a pivotal result to strengthen their hopes of Champions League football in 2025-26.

The performance of English teams in Europe means the Premier League has received an extra fifth spot in the continent’s premier club competition for next season, which leaves City in a healthy position.

But they needed a late show on Merseyside for all three points and the reaction at the end highlighted how important a victory it was.

City players and staff made their way over to the corner of the stadium where their joyous supporters were housed, taking their acclaim and being serenaded with chants for Guardiola and the departing Kevin de Bruyne.

Victory in their next game against Aston Villa, who are also chasing a top-five place, will go a long way to sealing a coveted Champions League spot.

“If you win you have character, if you don’t win you don’t have character – this is the motto,” said Guardiola.

“What these players have done for one decade, I am so grateful for, whatever has happened – this season more than ever, in the toughest period for many reasons especially injuries.

“We were more or less stable, kept going and going for the next time. We are miles away from Liverpool and Arsenal but tonight we sleep fourth.

“It is in our hands but we have a final on Tuesday, three games at home, two away and hopefully we can achieve this big success to qualify for the Champions League.”

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “That is a massive win for Manchester City. Champions League football for a club of their stature is an absolute minimum.”