Before tonight's game Liverpool's hope of a title win were marginal - but after a sensational fightback from Tony Pulis's men the reds chances are virtually non-existant.
Liverpool travelled to Selhurst Park in the final game of a Bank Holiday weekend, having seen City win a crucial game against Everton two days previously.
Daniel Sturridge's return to the side meant that it was Coutinho who made way. A surprising choice, but Rodgers revealed before the game that Coutinho had picked up a slight knock and couldn't be risked for the full 90 minutes.
The game opened brightly, both teams looking for opportunities to attack but Liverpool quickly settled into a dominating rhythm. Liverpool deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute - a Steven Gerrard corner met by the diminutive frame of Joe Allen, scoring his first league goal for the club.
Mid-way through the half Palace enjoyed a five minute spell of attacking promise but Liverpool saw this out to regain control as the clock ticked down to half time.
Within 10 minutes of the second half restart the men from Merseyside had extended their lead to 3 goals. First Daniel Sturridge lashed home a shot that took a slight deflection, before Luis Suarez pounced to score Liverpool's 99th goal of the league season.
All going well - in fact Liverpool looked like they may even be able to reduce the 9 goal gap between themselves and Man City.
In the 79th minute, the self-destruct button was brought out and Liverpool eagerly pressed it.
Damien Delaney's shot took a deflection off Glen Johnson to go past Simon Mignolet. Two minutes later and Gayle had made it 2-3. Selhurst Park was rocking and Liverpool were rolling.
Two minutes from time Palace completed the comeback. A mere point for them, but two more dropped points to add to the three Liverpool chucked away against Chelsea last weekend.
The final whistle sounded and Liverpool's players looked like they understood the implications.
Liverpool have made huge strides forward this season. A team that failed to qualify for European football will now not have its fate decided until the final whistle of the final game of the season.
Whilst Liverpool have been flamboyant in attack over the course of the season, there is plenty of room for improvement - the last two games have encapsulated the problems Liverpool still have to overcome.
One more game to play in what has been Liverpool's best League campaign for 5 years. Congratulations to Crystal Palace. And Man City.
OOPS!