Defeat leaves West Ham still two factors outdoor the pinnacle four having performed more video games than all their competition for a place in subsequent season's Champions League.
But David Moyes' men will rue a bunch of missed probabilities to salvage a point, which could have given City respiratory space at the pinnacle of the table.
Pep Guardiola's guys can repair their six-point benefit when they host Manchester United in a derby on the Etihad on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp made mass changes to his side in midweek for an FA Cup win over Norwich which kept alive hopes of a historic quadruple of trophies for Liverpool.
The pursuit of City may be the most important undertaking as the Reds try to comply with up last weekend's League Cup win with 3 extra trophies in the the rest of the season.
However, a run of seven instantly league wins has at least enlivened a combat for the identify after City regarded set to cruise in the direction of a fourth league win in 5 seasons on the flip of the yr.
Restored to full strength, Liverpool roared out of the blocks and should were in front inside seconds when Mohamed Salah fired wastefully immediately at Lukasz Fabianski with just the 'keeper to conquer.
West Ham were without the influential presence of Declan Rice in midfield because of illness, whilst Jarrod Bowen limped off early in the 2d half with an uncongenial searching harm.
Should Bowen be sidelined for a lengthy spell, Michail Antonio may be even extra vital to any last desires of a place within the Champions League next season.
Antonio has simplest scored once in the Premier League in 2022 however confirmed symptoms of regaining his first-rate form as he twice pressured Alisson Becker to turn the ball at the back of for a corner.
