The Merseyside outfit matched the league leaders for possession in their 3-0 loss on Tuesday, but were easily disposed of thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and James Milner, as the Eastlands side opened up a three-point gap at the top of the table.

Dalglish’s side have scored just 24 times in 20 Premier League games this season, less than half of the 56 that City have managed in the same period, and the 60-year-old has challenged his side to be more ruthless in attack.

"I think it was a good learning opportunity for us," Dalglish said.

"It only reflects the importance of being clinical - and they were clinical. If we want to get to where everyone wants to take the club then we have to be clinical."

Luis Suarez's eight-game ban has left an attacking void in the Liverpool team, but the Scotsman is confident returning captain Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy can both prove to be suitable alternatives, after they made second-half cameos in the Eastlands defeat.

"When Craig and Steven came on (against Manchester City) we looked a bit livelier," Dalglish said.

The Reds have also been linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent, but Villans boss Alex McLeish made it clear on Thursday that the England international is not for sale.