Liverpool's Champions League heroics against Juventus were forgotten at Eastlands as Kiki Musampa's last-minute winner smashed a massive hole in the Reds' hopes of making next season's competition.

Despite being outplayed for much of the contest, and surviving a superb Musampa second-half volley which crashed back off a post, Rafael Benitez's men looked like hanging on for the point that would temporarily have taken them above Merseyside rivals Everton.

But, after seeing his side concede late goals in his first two games in charge, it was Stuart Pearce's turn to celebrate today as Lee Croft, thrown on for Paul Bosvelt 20 minutes from time, found space inside the visitors box and picked out Musampa with a superb cross.

There was still plenty of work to do for the on-loan Dutchman but he proved equal to the task, drilling a first-time effort past Scott Carson to give City the win they deserved.

It was the worst possible send-off for Liverpool's decisive trip to Turin, but Benitez will be more bothered by the knowledge Everton will move four points clear of his side if they beat struggling Crystal Palace at Goodison Park tomorrow.

The goal also significantly enhanced Pearce's chances of succeeding Kevin Keegan on a long-term basis and the former England skipper has reason to look back on the contest with an immense amount of pride.

Pearce called on the home fans to 'raise the roof' for his first game in charge, and the former England skipper made sure the players kept their side of the bargain as City hit Liverpool with an enthusiastic early barrage.

Their efforts might have brought some reward if there had been more composure behind the final ball, but too often it went astray.

Two men exempt from criticism both had special reason to shine. As born and bred Merseysiders, Robbie Fowler and Joey Barton both relish the opportunity to dazzle against Liverpool, so it was no surprise they were the pick of City's bunch.

Fowler maintained his excellent recent form with a series of well-timed runs, astute passes and delicate flicks, while Barton, adopted a more robust approach, coming out on top in a series of heavy tackles as well as creating City's best two chances of the opening period.

It was the midfielder's early free-kick which dropped on the head of skipper Sylvain Distin, but though the big defender made a firm contact, Carson, preferred to Jerzy Dudek despite his midweek error, got across to make the save.

The former Leeds keeper should have been made to work much harder when Barton floated a far post cross into Musampa's path midway through the half, only for the Atletico Madrid man to completely mishit a volley that bobbled harmlessly wide.

In those opening stages, Liverpool looked a lacklustre outfit. Given their draining midweek exertions it was perhaps not surprising, but slowly it seemed to dawn on them that offering Everton the initiative in the battle for fourth place should not have been part of their script.

Largely though, Distin and central defensive partner Richard Dunne stayed strong, repelling the threat of Fernando Morientes and Anthony Le Tallec with something to spare.

One superb clearance by Dunne from John Arne Riise's low cross caught the eye, although it was David James Liverpool were really cursing for costing them an interval lead.

Despite the wet conditions, it could be argued the England keeper was slightly sloppy in letting Igor Biscan's 25-yard shot slip from his grasp. But just as Le Tallec looked set to smash home the rebound, James redeemed himself, stretching a foot out to prod the ball away from the Frenchman.

After a largely anonymous first half, Steven Gerrard was quick to make an impact in the second, drilling Riise's far-post cross just over.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Gerrard could not sustain his superiority as his old schoolmate Barton slowly took command again.

The Huyton-born player may still have some recklessness in his game but he is also becoming more effective and had it not been for Steve Finnan's last-ditch clearance, his third pinpoint cross of the contest would have provided Antoine Sibierski with a tap-in 20 minutes from time.

Before that, Musampa had smashed his volley against the post, probably meeting Nedum Onouha's cross too well after the young full-back had galloped down the wing at Reyna's invitation.

But just as it looked like City were going to be forced to settle for a draw, up popped Musampa to deliver the killer blow.

Teams:

Man City James, Onuoha (Mills 67), Dunne, Distin, Jordan, Reyna, Barton, Bosvelt (Croft 73), Musampa, Fowler, Sibierski (Bradley Wright-Phillips 83).

Subs Not Used: Weaver, Negouai.

Booked: Barton.

Goals: Musampa 90.

Liverpool Carson, Finnan, Carragher, Pellegrino, Warnock, Luis Garcia (Smicer 68), Gerrard, Biscan, Riise (Traore 82), Le Tallec, Morientes (Welsh 78).

Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia.

Booked: Carragher.

Att: 47,203

Ref: M Riley (W Yorkshire).