Manchester City's Willy Caballero says Liverpool defeat was a wake-up call

Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero believes the 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool has acted as a wake-up call for Manuel Pellegrini's side.

City got back to winning ways after three games without a victory - a goalless draw with Aston Villa followed by the loss to Liverpool and the midweek reverse at Juventus - as they overcame Southampton 3-1 on Saturday.

The result took City back to the top of the Premier League and the title favourites now want to make sure they stay there.

Caballero, who took over in goal from injured England No 1 Joe Hart, said: "It was like a call with big attention - Liverpool played really well. They are a big team and we must be ready for every game and every team.

"I think we learned after this defeat and we started again. From the first minute, we were hungry to win.

"We needed to take the top of the table again as soon as possible. We needed to win. We can't concede another result at home again because we lost two games this season. I hope we stay in the first place of the table."

Caballero performed well against Saints, with good saves from Dusan Tadic and Shane Long, in contrast to his poor display in September's 4-1 defeat at Tottenham.

The 34-year-old Argentine said: "I think this was my best performance with this shirt but I will try to make a new 'best performance' in the next game. But I think we played really well and this is the most important [thing]."