Brendan Rodgers's men knew that only a victory would suffice at Selhurst Park after City, who now sit one point behind the Reds with a game in hand, edged to a seemingly crucial 3-2 triumph at Everton on Saturday. That result left Manuel Pellegrini's men, who wrap up their season with home games versus Aston Villa and West Ham, at the summit thanks to goal difference.
For large parts of the game against Palace, it appeared merely a question of how much Liverpool could eat into City's nine-goal lead after Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez added to Joe Allen's first league goal for the club.
But, having been cruising at 3-0 after 55 minutes, the visitors had to endure a chastening finish as Damien Delaney's deflected 79th-minute strike was immediately added to when Dwight Gayle capped a smart counterattack with a cool finish two minutes later.
Liverpool tried desperately to defend but were hit with a sucker-punch with two minutes remaining when Gayle finished powerfully.
An incredible finish at Palace has left the Reds, who end the season at home against Newcastle on Sunday, hoping that Villa and West Ham can do them favours to revive their hopes of landing a first top-flight title since 1990.
Liverpool began in typically quick fashion and had a strong penalty appeal turned down after Glen Johnson went down under a clumsy challenge from Yannick Bolasie.
Undeterred, the visitors continued to press forward and almost took the lead in the 16th minute. Allen delivered a glorious ball over the centre-backs but Johnson, having made a fine diagonal run behind Joel Ward, nodded just over the crossbar.
Palace were to rue their failure to heed the lesson from Steven Gerrard's first corner as they conceded via a set-piece for the first time under Tony Pulis two minutes later. Allen was the beneficiary of some lacklustre defending, marking his 50th league appearance for Liverpool by nodding across Julian Speroni and into the net, having found space at the back post with a clever run.
Jason Puncheon then forced a good save from Simon Mignolet with a powerful effort from distance and the Belgian goalkeeper had to be on a high alert again moments later, producing an even better save when turning Mile Jedinak's thunderbolt over. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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