City Too Much for Liverpool

Simply put, the Reds never had a chance leaving Eastlands with points. City are yet to lose a game at home and Liverpool, though enthusiastic, could not create many legitimate scoring chances. With Suarez banned, Carroll was the lone man up front for the Reds to direct their crosses to, but Kolo Toure and captain Vincent Kompany proved to be impenetrable in the center. It seemed that every Liverpool cross, no matter the bend or pace had no chance of reaching a teammate as City won almost every header.

Manchester Citys first break through came by way of former Atletico man Aguero in the 10^th minute. A downward curling shot from beyond the eighteen found its way beneath Pepe Reina, a save he was expected to make. In the 33^rd, City struck again through a rocket header from Yaya Toure off a corner. Liverpoool continued fighting onward, maintaining the bulk of possession, until a Gareth Barry red card in the 73^rd showed a glimmer of hope for the Reds to salvage points. That hope was squashed two minutes later when a bolting Yaya Toure was taken down within the edge of the box for a penalty. James Milner stepped to the spot and fired a rocket in the top corner leaving Pepe Reina no chance at a save.

Overall, it was a dominating display by City. They may have had only 36% of possession, but had many more scoring chances. Man of the Match goes to Yaya Toure. With a goal and a penalty drawn, his performance sticks out slightly more than teammate Vincent Kompanys dominance in the back. Liverpool didnt approach this match the right way. Gerrard and Bellamy started on the bench and were substituted with 30 minutes left. Both players were on the forefront of the victory over Newcastle at Anfield only four days earlier, so its confusing Dalglish wouldnt even start his captain. After watching a match like this, it seems the Reds wont be playing Champions League football next year. Mancinis men seem a lock to compete again after a disappointing group stage this year. We will see how they play out Europa League, as they are most definitely favorites to win it.  ~ J. Hartnett