Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has bemoaned his side's attempts to play "Roy of the Rovers football" as they were held to a 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday evening.
The Reds took a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from Joe Allen, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, before Dwight Gayle scored twice late on after Damien Delaney had reduced the deficit on 79 minutes.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Rodgers claimed that his side were trying too hard to try to haul back their inferior goal difference to Manchester City.
He said: "We thought we could play Roy of the Rovers football and make the goal difference up. But it was about winning the game. We didn't manage the game.
"For 78 minutes we were outstanding, had done everything we'd wanted to do, looked solid defensively had control of the ball and had three goals.
"But we got carried away, thought we could have more, and lost our defensive structure."
The result takes the Reds to the top of the Premier League, but means that Manchester City need just four points from their final two games to be crowned champions.
Paul Gorst
