A vintage Ian Rush strike saved Liverpool boss Graeme Souness from ending the worst year of his career with a home defeat against battling Manchester City.
The Welsh international striker swivelled to meet Steve McManaman's cross with a superb right-foot volley into the roof of the net after 49 minutes.
City took the lead after 39 minutes, Liverpool's defenders half-blocking from Mike Sheron only
for Ian Brightwell to snap up the loose ball and cross for Niall Quinn to head powerfully.
Liverpool goalkeeper Mike Hooper did well to get his hands to the ball but could only push it against the post and in.
City enjoyed the better chances of a hard-fought but lacklustre first half, David White having a goal ruled out for offside, Garry Flitcroft twice going close and Quinn bringing a fine save out of the busy Hooper.
John Barnes produced Liverpool's first shot on target after 42 minutes, a rising effort straight into the hands of Tony Coton.
Hooper was out bravely to block at the feet of Sheron after 56 minutes, while Coton had to be equally alert to kick the ball off the toes of the menacing Rush six minutes later.
Barnes could have sealed victory nine minutes from time, diving to just head over City's bar from a McManaman cross and Coton saved well from Rush in the last minute.
City boss Peter Reid paid tribute to the magnificent Rush goal. "Seeing that goal was worth the entrance fee. It was a fabulous strike by a quality player," he said after the 1-1 draw. "I'm pleased with the way my team played and a little bit disappointed for them. They were superb under difficult conditions for both sides. I thought we deserved the three points but if you want to win games, you have to stick chances away."
Meanwhile, Liverpool chief executive Peter Robinson dismissed stories about possible transfer deals involving a string of the club's apparently out-of-favour stars including Mark Wright, Paul Stewart and Michael Thomas as "press speculation." He denied rumours that centre-half Wright was in London for talks with Tottenham and said of rumours players were available for transfer: "The matter has not been discussed at all."
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