Manchester City U23s went top of the Premier League 2 table with a win against Liverpool U23s.
Paulo Fernandes opened the scoring after clever link-up play with fellow Spaniard Brahim Diaz.
Javairo Dilrosun and Angelino were among City’s top performers – the pairing created plenty of opportunities down the left wing.
City leapfrogged Everton U23s after their win but the Merseyside outfit have a game in hand on the Manchester boys.
While it did take a little while for City to find their rhythm, the home side were fairly dominant from kick-off.
Combinations down the flanks were the theme for Simon Davies’ side during the first-half – Javairo Dilrosun having most of the joy.
Fernandes opened the scoring after he was allowed a free shot at goal thanks to Diaz’s excellent work to hold off Mamadou Sakho.
City continued to threaten but Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher got down well a number of times to deny a second goal.
Liverpool came out of the half-time break very much on top but some valiant defending kept City ahead.
While Angus Gunn was the busier of the two keepers at the time, Kelleher provided the most vital save – somehow managing to keep Diaz from doubling City’s lead.
The away side threw on all three subs to fight for a result but in the end City – led by captain Rodney Kongolo – kept tight and shut them out.
Davies will be pleased that his City side passed the stern test Liverpool gave them tonight and will now look to next Friday’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona.
