On reflection, we learnt little about this Manchester City side that we did not already know. They won this match against high-flying Liverpool and preserved their perfect home record, though only just, it has to be said.

However their defensive frailties were cruelly exposed by the visitors’ forward line on numerous occasions.

There was no denying that this was wonderful exhibition of Premier League football, played out at a frantic pace. A pulsating first half saw three goals with Liverpool, still missing the influential Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge, taking the lead.

By the interval the hosts had responded through captain Vincent Kompany and Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo. By midway through the second half, Manchester City were dominant, holding off their opponents. They never looked convincing, however, and Brendan Rodgers’ men still had chances to pull themselves level.

City held on for the victory but supporters of the club will wish that their team were able to demonstrate defensive solidity to match their attacking prowess. Perhaps that is on manager Manuel Pellegrini’s wish list for the New Year.

The Chilean was happy with his side’s performance. “It was very important because Liverpool were the best team of the Premier League,” he said of the victory.

“They were top of the table before the match so if they won, they would be four points ahead of our team. I am very happy with the response because it is not easy when you face such a difficult team, especially on the counter-attack when you are losing 1-0.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers’s remarks about the appropriateness of the choice of “a referee from Greater Manchester” to officiate this match will surely be examined. He is likely to find himself in hot water after his comments on the decisions by referee Lee Mason, from Bolton, and his officials.

“We had nothing that went our way at all,” added Rodgers, clearly understanding the severity of his accusations. The Football Association will no doubt be in touch.

One of the decisions that so incensed Rodgers was a foul on Suarez late by defender Joleon Lescott late on in the match. Mason waved away Liverpool claims for a penalty kick. The Uruguayan striker did himself no favours with his exaggerated reaction to the supposed shirt tug.

If anything, Liverpool’s manager could have been accused of naivety. After Phillipe Coutinho, the talented playmaker, had put his side ahead on 24 minutes, the instructions should have been to control the match and see them through to half-time.

Liverpool’s players continued to push on. Had Gerrard been there on the pitch, the message would perhaps have come through loud and clear.

City, however, were soon back in the match. Kompany scored from a header on 31 minutes, beating his marker on a corner. Things suddenly began to go against the visitors and Liverpool’s attacking line, led by the excellent Luis Suarez, seemed to have lost their potency.

Negredo’s chipped effort, moments before the interval, put his side ahead. Liverpool's goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was at fault for his clumsy to save the ball from going over him. It remained that way until the end.

Crystal Palace come to the Eastlands on Saturday. Liverpool have another massive test when they head to west London for a showdown with Chelsea.