Dejan Lovren firmly looked forward after casting aside his Europa League penalty disappointment by helping Liverpool overcome Manchester City at Anfield.

The central defender was distraught last Thursday when he sent a spot-kick over the crossbar which signalled the Reds' elimination by Besiktas in Istanbul.

He retained a starting place for Sunday's lunchtime clash with City, however, and contributed to restricting the champions to a single shot on target.

Solidity at one end laid the foundations for productivity at the other, where Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho thrashed in the goals for a 2-1 victory.

Lovren told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was a massive win. We knew it would be a tough game, especially after the Europa League with the travelling and it was a 120-minute game.

"It was a difficult game but we started very well, the first goal was amazing from Jordan. It was unlucky that we conceded a goal so soon.

"I think we started the second half much better; we showed our class and talent, and I think we deserved the win. Both goals were amazing, I don't know which one I prefer.

"With the three points, now we can focus on the next game. We just need to continue being focused on our style of play and we are confident."

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In reflecting on a hugely positive afternoon's work on home soil, Lovren could banish memories of his experience three days previously in Turkey.

"I was the saddest person in football, I wish I had scored the penalty," said the No.6, who had been backed by manager and teammates to recover quickly.

"Of course, I didn't sleep because of that. But football goes on, it's life - you make mistakes. You don't need to look back, I'm always looking forward."

The result against City allowed Liverpool to climb to fifth in the Barclays Premier League and kept Brendan Rodgers' team in the hunt for a Champions League spot.

But with plenty of football remaining in the campaign, Lovren was keen to stress the importance of maintaining the performance levels on show yesterday.

He added: "We are close, but we need to continue like this until the end of the season. There is just a couple of points difference. It depends on us, we are in a good position now and confident."