Yossi Benayoun's equaliser secured Liverpool a draw at Anfield.
Manchester City arrived on Merseyside intent on proving they were top four material but they found a Liverpool side in defiant mood despite more injury problems.
Martin Skrtel put Liverpool in front but Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland sent City ahead before Benayoun equalised.
Liverpool started well, Steven Gerrard attacking the right flank of City's defence when the opportunity arose.
The first chance came after five minutes from a free-kick following a Gareth Barry foul on Dirk Kuyt.
Gerrard swung the set-piece in from the right, Daniel Agger flicked on and centre-back partner Martin Skrtel saw a free header from the left brilliantly saved by Shay Given.
Agger, though, was injured in the incident after clashing heads with Kolo Toure. The young Dane's legs buckled under him as he was receiving treatment and he was carried off suffering from concussion.
eventual control
Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos was soon on as substitute, a reshuffle Liverpool did not need against the pace of Emmanuel Adebayor, with Craig Bellamy itching to run at Carragher on the left.
Soon Liverpool suffered more injury trouble. Ryan Babel was hurt in a collision with Nigel De Jong, and needed treatment on the line.
Babel lasted only a couple of minutes more after his limping return and was replaced by Benayoun.
City were intent on containment and eventual control. De Jong effectively regained midfield possession to set in motion City's calm, thoughtful approach play.
Toure, suffering following an earlier tackle with Gerrard, was replaced at the break by Nedum Onuoha.
And Liverpool produced the lift the match needed with a goal after 49 minutes.
Pablo Zabaleta had given away a needless free-kick for holding Ngog on the left, and when Gerrard swung the set-play into the box, Skrtel was there first in front of Adebayor to stab home from six yards.
worked well
City needed to up their game now, and with the fire-power of Carlos Tevez and Roque Roque Santa Cruz on the bench, they certainly had the ammunition.
And they waited until the hour mark to withdraw Barry and send on Tevez, who instantly drew a booking for Lucas following a tangle on the half-way line.
City cranked up the pressure as Liverpool fell deeper, and they were level after 69 minutes. Bellamy's corner swirled into the box and it was Adebayor's turn to lose Skrtel this time, heading the ball down into the turf from where it bounced high into the top corner.
City struck again after 76 minutes when Tevez and Wright-Phillips worked well to create a chance for Stephen Ireland to flick the ball past Reina.
Liverpool's response came within 60 seconds. Ngog crossed from the right, the ball deflecting to Benayoun who forced it home from a couple of yards out.
