Match Reports

Man City Self-Destruct!

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Mark Hughes made one change to the side that breezed through the UEFA cup tie. Captain Richard Dunne replaces Tal Ben-Haim. Albert Reira received a warm welcome back after playing for City for six months in 2005/06.

Liverpool began the better of the two teams, with Reira the Architect. His cross from the left hand side connected with Kuyt`s head but failed to trouble Hart. A minute later it was Reira`s Volley that forced the first save from Hart.

Samba time for City, as Zabaleta, Robinho and Jo forced Reina to catch a cross after good work from them. Robinho then had a volley that was well saved by Reina.

Kuyt then failed to convert from another Reira cross. He ballooned the ball over the bar from about 8 yards. Robinho then produced some great skill, as City began to produce some threatening play.

Man City managed to take the lead on the 18th minute. SWP broke into the box, and fed Jo, who found Robinho, and after bad defending Ireland was able to fire the ball into the top of the net.

The game fizzled out a bit but Alonso tested Hart, before City managed to double their lead. On the 42nd minute Garrido stepped up and fired a free-kick into the top left corner. Who needs Robinho and Elano when you have Garrido?

Halftime: Manchester City 2 Liverpool 0

Liverpool continued to press after the break and eventually managed to score. Torres poked home from close range after Gerrard had skipped past Garrido and crossed the ball.

Man City then tried to restore the two goal cushion when SWP found Robinho and from 2 yards out, he put it over the bar.

The turning point of the game was to occur on the 66th minute. Zabaleta brought down Alonso who was given a straight red.

Liverpool took full advantage of this and equalized on the 73rd minute. Gerrard and Torres linked up again this time from the corner, and Torres poked the ball home.

Liverpool`s defender Skrtel was then brought off on a stretcher as Liverpool were also plucked down to 10 men.

A lifeline for City? I don`t think so. Liverpool finished off the game when the cross on the left found Kuyt at the far post and he nodded the ball home!

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City blood running through my veins.