MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City revived its title defense by inflicting leader Liverpool’s first defeat 2-1 on Thursday, completing the Premier League’s packed festive program with an engrossing encounter.

Liverpool’s threatened a comeback when Roberto Firmino canceled out Sergio Aguero’s first-half opener but Leroy Sane struck the winner in the 72nd minute.

The title race is wide open again just when it looked like Liverpool was on a smoother path to a first English title in 29 years thanks to City’s back-to-back losses less than two weeks ago.

City has trimmed Liverpool’s lead to four points and reclaimed second place from Tottenham with 17 games of the 38-match season remaining.

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