Khadija Shaw's double ensured Liverpool are still yet to win a WSL game at Anfield
Khadija Shaw says it was an "ugly win" against Liverpool, but "just as important", as Manchester City came from behind to regain top spot in the Women's Super League.
The Jamaica striker scored twice in the second half, including a stoppage-time winner, as City battled past the resilient Reds at Anfield.
"Coming into this game, we knew it was going to be tough," Shaw told Sky Sports.
"At the end of the day, sometimes an ugly win is just as important for the three points - we just have to keep going.
"We know the type of team Liverpool are. They are very direct and they like to put the balls in behind.
"We knew that if we managed to focus on what we were capable of doing we were going to get goals."
It was an anxious afternoon in Merseyside for City before Shaw cancelled out Olivia Smith's first-half opener and then struck the post with minutes remaining.
She eventually found the winner in the second minute of added time, firing powerfully past goalkeeper Rachael Laws and dealing a late blow to the hosts.
Liverpool, who were without manager Matt Beard on the touchline due to illness, looked set to hold out for a draw after a strong opening half but buckled under the pressure.
They had an injury-troubled afternoon with goalkeeper Laws having several issues throughout the second half after standout performer Smith and key centre-back Gemma Bonner were forced off.
But City, who also missed Vivianne Miedema and Naomi Layzell, were persistent and it paid off as they collected their reward for a relentless effort after the restart.
The result capped off a strong week for the visitors, who stunned European champions Barcelona in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday.
"Days like today are fantastic," said City boss Gareth Taylor. "It solidifies what we do and I said to the girls, 'that's a great way to win'.
"I felt we got our rewards in the end, we were dominant. Sometimes you don't get the rewards but we were patient and kept probing until the end.
"I was really proud of that last half hour of the performance."
Reds 'devastated' after Smith sparkles
Liverpool were under no illusions as to how difficult this match would be having seen City's sensational performance against Barcelona during the week.
They were helped by the absences of Miedema and Layzell but Liverpool had quality of their own in club record signing Smith, who dominated the first half and showed her defensive traits, as well as her devastating pace.
The Canadian caused all kinds of problems for Taylor's side with the usually flawless Laia Aleixandri and Alex Greenwood unable to match her speed and physicality.
Smith's injury – picked up as she struck Liverpool's 41st-minute opener from distance, having won the ball inside City's half – was a huge blow and when she did reappear for the second half, it was with a heavy limp as she took her seat in the stands.
"Obviously Olivia was fantastic in the first half and was a real outlet for us - but we have a strong squad for a reason," Liverpool defender Bonner told BBC Sport.
"Everyone who was on the pitch today or not, were all supporting each other. We know City are a top side and you have to be the best, to beat the best.
"We're devastated in the way we conceded in the last few minutes, but we'll bounce back and be ready to go again next week."
Liverpool had shown plenty of positive signs as Marie Hobinger's free-kick set up a Bonner header which looped over, while Cornelia Kapocs also had a header cleared off the line by Greenwood after the break.
If those at the top of the WSL needed a reminder of their ability to compete, having seen the Reds beat Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea last season, this was it.
"There's lots of positives," added Liverpool assistant boss Scott Rogers. "I thought we nearly warranted a point.
"Defensively our shape was positive and we frustrated City for long periods. We got punished when we switched off. There is disappointment as you don't want to lose."
But while Liverpool caused problems, City always looked likely to respond with their quality and they did through the ever-reliable Shaw, nodding past goalkeeper Laws, before blasting the ball past her at the near post in a dramatic finale.
She ran off to celebrate in front of the away fans at full-time as chants of "Blue Moon" rang around Anfield.
The success put them a point clear of defending champions Chelsea, who recorded a big victory over rivals Arsenal on Saturday, while Manchester United and Brighton are also on nine points.
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