The Reds ran out 3-0 winners on Thursday (AEST) at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane finding the back of the net inside a frantic 20-minute first-half stretch.
Jurgen Klopp's side, who ended City's 'invincible' hopes with a 4-3 Premier League triumph in January, put a relentless amount of pressure on their opponents that ultimately proved costly, with Ferdinand finding fault with Guardiola's inability to adjust.
"Guardiola got his tactics wrong," Ferdinand told BT Sport.
Advertisement
"Manchester City, when forced to defend deep in their own half, they struggle.
"Up the other end of the pitch, keeping teams penned back, they're great at that.
"But on the edge of their box, they're a very different team. Their defence were a weakness today."
Frank Lampard meanwhile praised Liverpool's performance, with Oxlade-Chamberlain's efforts a clear stand-out.
"There are not many people who can open up a game with pace, direction and end product," Lampard said of the former Arsenal midfielder. "End product was always a question mark but he's shown tonight he's got it.
"City never got to grips with the game. Liverpool had no fear, a perfect gameplan and pressed at the right time."
Liverpool legend Gerrard also chimed in on the result, labelling the Merseyside outfit's performance simply "perfect."
"Defensively, to a man, I thought the back four were stunning and the goalkeeper (Loris Karius) is getting better and better," Gerrard told BT Sport.
"I think Jurgen Klopp will be delighted. City didn't get the run of the ball and I thought they lacked a bit in the final third but at home they're more than capable of getting goals."
