Liverpool took a huge step towards qualification for the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday night.

The Merseyside outfit went into their clash with Manchester City as the underdogs, but blew away the Premier League table-toppers in a quite sensational display.

Inspired by a fervent Anfield crowd, Jurgen Klopp's side ran out 3-0 winners thanks to first half goals from Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane.

But despite owning a healthy lead going into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, Klopp and Liverpool are clearly keeping both feet firmly on the ground.

"You must celebrate a party when the party starts. Not four weeks before," Klopp said after the game.

"I know it is not decided. Sure, 3-0 is better than 1-0, better than 2-0. It is better than 3-1. But it’s only half-time. No one was in the dressing room dancing around after the half-time result."

OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN REFLECTS

Every single Liverpool player deserves credit for their performance in the victory, but one man that perhaps stood out from the rest was Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Some eyebrows were raised when it was revealed he would make the £35 million move from Arsenal to Liverpool last summer, but he has not disappointed at his new club.

He netted on Wednesday night courtesy of a rasping effort from 25 yards out, but despite his good performance, the 24-year-old has stated he was still slightly disappointed with how he played.

“I could have been better on the ball against City so I was a bit disappointed with that and there are areas I need to improve on," he explained.

“There were a few runs I did in the first half where I broke the line and it was just the last man I didn't manage to get past or didn't get the shot off.

“I'm hard on myself and I have to set the bar high. I'll be looking to work on those areas going forward and the weekend is a good opportunity to start.”

What a superb mentality.

The Ox was criticised for not fulfilling his potential at Arsenal, but he has come on leaps and bounds whilst at Liverpool.

The faith that Klopp is showing in him, combined with his attitude, are just two reasons why he is thriving at his new club.

He is fast becoming a fan favourite and it is easy to see why.

THE OX REFLECTS ON THE ATMOSPHERE

The Anfield crowd were in fine form on Wednesday night, and the former Southampton youngster has revealed he had never seen anything like it before.

“I've never witnessed anything like that,” he continued.

“Coming into the stadium, it almost set it up to be like a final. It definitely got us going and you could see that. If you are the away team and the crowd gets going like that it is horrible.

“City are an amazing football team but they are only human and you put anyone in a pressure environment in an atmosphere like that maybe it can disturb them. They still played some good stuff but it definitely played a part in the first half.

“It was an amazing atmosphere, the best I've ever played in. It would probably shake anyone up so you have to give the fans credit for that. It was amazing to be a part of and I thoroughly enjoyed it."