Man City v Liverpool

After blowing a 2-0 lead at Arsenal to draw 2-2, Liverpool travelled to Eastlands to face Premier League champions Manchester City.


Unlike in midweek where they started well, Liverpool were under pressure early on as Silva tested Reina and the shot was tipped over the bar.

Liverpool withstood the pressure and in the 14th minute, had a brilliant chance after a move saw Sturridge found in the box and past Hart with an empty net at his mercy but luckily for City - Zabaleta was on hand to rescue his side and prevent Sturridge from opening the scoring.

However in the 24th minute, City found the breakthrough as Milner went down the touchline and crossed into the box to provide Dzeko with an easy tap in past Reina.


Their lead lasted only a few minutes as Agger's tackle on Dzeko left the Bosnian in a heap but play continued and the ball came to Sturridge who fired into the bottom corner from 20 yards to level the scores. City were furious that the ball had not been put out of play but as rules dictate it is not mandatory to do so and Dzeko was back up and requiring no treatment almost immediately after Sturridge scored.

As the half drew to a close, Liverpool seemed to be the stronger and Zabaleta could have gone from  hero to villain as he came close to putting the ball in his own net and Suarez tested Hart with a well taken volley.

The second half began with Liverpool continuing the pressure on City and Lescott saved the home sides blushes by blocking a chance from Carragher after Suarez's volleyed cross.

Liverpool soon found a way to convert their attacking dominance and it came in the 73rd minute as the ball dropped to Gerrard and he unleashed a stunning volley which sailed past Hart and into the bottom corner after he had chested it down from 30 yards out.

Luck was soon to desert Liverpool just like in the teams previous meeting when Liverpool led 2-1, this time Aguero took the ball just outside the box and with Reina coming towards him and after leaving an open goal gaping, Reina saw an acrobatic shot from Aguero nestle in the corner from the most acute of angles to level the scores and see Liverpool blow a 2-1 lead for second time in a week.

Both sides pushed for a winner but to no avail and meant a repeat scoreline of the previous meeting and left Liverpool disappointed at dropping two points from such a comfortable position.

After facing United, Arsenal and City in the league, Liverpool have a slightly easier next two with West Brom and Swansea the next two opponents but many will remember that Albion embarrassed Liverpool on the opening day of the season and Swansea dumped the Reds out of the League Cup, how apt that the game is being played a week early due to Swansea playing in the final.