In the first home game since the league title win back in May, City faced title rivals Liverpool in a clash that could prove important to the destination of the title come next May. In a hard-fought encounter that saw chances for both sides, Manuel Pellegrini’s side came out on top after a 3-1 win. The game came just hours after Liverpool announced the signing of former City striker Mario Balotelli, who was unable to play in the clash against his former club.
This game has stood out in the eyes of many people as one of the games that could define the opening months of the season. These clashes give new signings a chance to show themselves off against bigger teams who would be challenging for similar honours. Indeed, there were several summer signings in the squads of both teams. Fernando started for City while fellow signings Caballero and Sagna started from the bench. In the red dugout, Brendan Rodgers decided to start Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno in defence against City’s star-studded attack. Three new signings in Can, Marković and Lambert also made appearances off the bench.
The hosts started off the better, passing the ball about and looking for an opening in the Liverpool defence. Their opponents held firm as the partnership of Jovetić and Džeko looked for chances. Eventually however, The Reds worked their way back into the game, having sustained spells of possession whilst trying to set up Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling. They were unable to really make anything of their chances, and were made to pay for it on 41 minutes when Stevan Jovetić opened the scoring.
After catching Moreno sleeping on the right-hand side of the box following a rebound off Gerrard, the Montenegrin forward slipped in to take the ball down with one touch, before hitting it under Simon Mignolet to open the scoring. A good finish from the striker who looks rejuvenated this season – and probably a deserved lead for the team who look in fine form.
After the break, City came out fighting to get a second. After Džeko squandered a good chance when through on goal minutes after the restart, it looked like luck may not be in City’s favour. However after 55 minutes they doubled their lead. The Citizens got forward well with Samir Nasri, who played a low ball across the box, spotting Stevan Jovetić running into the centre. He only needed one touch to send the ball past the diving Mignolet doubling his personal tally for the season. Again, deserved for the hosts.
Then came the introduction of Sergio Agüero, on as a substitute for the injured Edin Džeko after 68 minutes. The Argentine is still less than fully fit, and came on as a sub for the second successive week; in the last game against Newcastle he came on after 80 minutes and scored within minutes. It didn’t even take him that long this time – just 23 seconds, in fact. No sooner had he come on than Jesús Navas threaded a ball through to him and Agüero slid it past the hand of the Liverpool keeper. Even a half-fit Sergio is world-class, it would seem.
That third goal looked to have made it game over, but visiting fans were instilled with some hope 10 minutes from time, when substitute Rickie Lambert put the ball in from close-range. After this goal Liverpool looked to build up some steam, and threatened Joe Hart’s goal again, but he wasn’t to be beaten. A mix of him and some bad finishing meant that the scoreline remained as it was, making it two wins in two for Manuel Pellegrini now.
There were positive signs to be taken for Brendan Rodgers though. Raheem Sterling and Lazar Marković looked sharp and caused the defence problems when on the pitch. There were long periods in the first half where Liverpool kept the ball with ease, and that is something to be proud of – not many times can do that on City’s home turf. Now it’s on to the next game for both – Stoke visit Manchester on Saturday, while The Reds visit Spurs.
