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Man City 2-1 Liverpool
Hello, and welcome to our second liveblog of the day, as third place Liverpool take on Man City in fourth.
The team news is in…
MAN CITY: Hart, Zabaleta, Lescott, Kompany, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Nasri, Silva, Negredo, Navas.
LIVERPOOL: Mignolet, Cissokho, Skrtel, Sakho, Johnson, Lucas, Allen, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho, Suarez.
Speaking to BT Sport, Brendan Rodgers says Man City are showing Liverpool “a great deal of respect” by not playing two up front this evening.
Liverpool fans will hope those words don’t come back to haunt him.
A reminder of his class if any were needed…
So, a quick poll before we begin. Who will win today?
Poll Results:
City attack early on down the right flank, but Navas’ cross is confidently gathered by Mignolet.
Positive start from City.
Navas has just clipped the outside of the post with a well-executed header after Kolarov’s dangerous cross.
City are looking dangerous down the flanks early on.
A look at the teams’ head-to-head record.
(PA Graphics/PA Graphics/Press Association Images)
Don’t worry Paddy, you can still read our liveblog!
City continue to put Liverpool under pressure, with Kompany heading just wide from a corner.
Navas, in particular, is posing problems down the right.
Suarez has had his first half chance of the day.
The Uruguayan beats Joleon Lescott to a header, but his attempt goes just wide.
Important last-ditch tackle from Kolarov on Sterling.
Suarez intelligently plays the youngster through on goal, but he can’t get his shot away thanks to the defender’s intervention.
Shortly thereafter, Suarez’s uncharacteristically tame free kick is comfortably saved by Hart.
Controversial! For the second time in the last few minutes, Suarez plays a defence-splitting pass to put Sterling through.
The English winger is adjudged offside, but replays show that he was well on.
Poor decision from the linesman.
Man City 0-1 Liverpool: Raheem Sterling latches on to Luis Suarez’s flick on. He takes it round the keeper before the better positioned Philippe Coutinho converts into the empty net (25 mins).
Liverpool get the goal that their recent dominance has merited.
Man City are coming back into this game well.
Yaya Toure has wasted a good chance, while they win a free kick in a dangerous area only to waste it, as the subsequent attempted strike is blocked down.
Man City 1-1 Liverpool: Vincent Kompany heads in from a corner to get his side back in the game (30 mins).
What a start to this match! Long may this frantic pace to the match continue.
City have responded very positively to going behind, but their backline still looks extremely vulnerable.
On a few occasions, Liverpool have threaded through balls that have left them deeply exposed by the pace of the visitors’ attackers and their consistent ability to beat the hosts’ offside trap.
Almost a wonderful Liverpool goal.
Great interplay by Suarez and Sterling around the City area, before Coutinho’s subsequent shot is well saved by Hart.
Goal-saving tackle from Skrtel to deny Negredo a shot, after he is played through by Fernandinho.
This game could be another 6-3 if it keeps going in this manner.
Man City 2-1 Liverpool: It’s wonderful build-up play, with Navas playing an inch-perfect pass to Negredo (45 mins).
The Spaniard’s attempted chip is relatively weak, but Mignolet somehow manages to palm the ball into the net.
Advantage City.
Well that was an exciting half of football to say the least.
Both sides have played wonderful football at times, though their defending has often left much to be desired.
Man City lead 2-1, but there will surely be more goals in the second half, given how open both sides invariably look.
Liverpool could do with this guy today…
(Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images)
Some hesitant City defending allows first Henderson, and then Suarez, to go close.
The former is eventually (and correctly) adjudged offside from the latter’s shot-cum-pass.
Great defending by Zabaleta to shoulder Coutinho off the ball in a dangerous position.
There haven’t been many chances in this second half, but both teams continue to look dangerous when they break.
Zabaleta made an unexpected return to the City side today and he’s been fantastic both in defence and attack.
He makes another good run and cross down the right — an area where City have perpetually exploited Liverpool, with Navas also prominent today.
Victor Moses looks set to come on and Liverpool could do with an injection of life.
The visitors have definitely been second best since the break, and haven’t responded especially well to going behind.
Erm…
Moses replaces the Liverpool goalscorer Coutinho, who like Liverpool in general, has been far less influential since the break.
Just over 20 minutes remaining…
Great ball in from Henderson.
Lescott cuts the ball out, but it falls to Johnson, who takes too heavy a touch.
Shorty thereafter, a clever Henderson flick from a Hart cross is well saved by Hart.
Milner is now replacing Nasri, perhaps to combat this late Liverpool pressure.
Great ball in from Suarez to Sterling, who blazes the ball over with the goal at his mercy.
It’s a really poor finish from the youngster.
Mignolet reacts to conceding the second goal.
(Lynne Cameron/EMPICS Sport)
Inevitably, the pace has lessened in this second half.
However, it’s remained an intriguing, absorbing game throughout.
Suarez curls an ambitious free kick just over.
The Uruguayan has not been as prominent as usual today, but has shown some very good touches in the build-up play.
His opportunities in front of goal, however, have been limited.
Great driving run by Yaya Toure, but no one can get on the end of his dangerous cross.
Meanwhile, Javi Garcia has come on for David Silva, as City look to shut up shop.
Yaya Toure has just flashed a shot narrowly wide.
Down the other end, Lescott is constantly tugging Suarez from a corner, but the referee ignores it, despite the Uruguayan’s theatrical attempts to convince him to give a penalty.
Michael Owen names Fernandinho as the Man of the Match.
It’s hard to argue with that decision — the Brazilian has looked very solid.
It’s all over. City get the victory that they probably just about deserved.
Mignolet won’t want to watch a replay of the second goal, but Liverpool probably didn’t do enough to get anything out of the game in the second half anyway.
The result leaves City second and Liverpool — who could have gone top with a win — in fourth.
It’s unlikely Man City have had a tougher league game at home this season.
As a United fan I hope they both lose ;)
How can they both loose?ye united boys come out with some silly comments
As a gooner I’m with u all the way Paul!
But you guys are mortal enemies?? :)
I was joking to.good to see you’re in as good a mood as always popey ;(
No you weren’t, don’t lie.
Hey! Theres a game on, go outside!
Feck that, it’s lashing
Course I was.what has you in bad humour this time?is it cos your new team city are 1 down
It’s 1-1 numpty
Cheer up popey
Tell me nelly,
How many accounts do you have?
Hilarious.
No idea who nelly is. I’ve just seen people calling you that here.why are you always in bad humour on this?
Guys, every thread we get this…. Ignore them if they have multiple accounts…
Look in the mirror and you’ll see nelly.
Sorry graham.
Forgive me.
Cheer up karol I’m not your long lost love nelly.you’re always accusing people of being this nelly
You must think we’re all idiots. Just shows your dumbness really. Just give it up nelly, graham is getting upset.
I think you love nelly you’re always pining for him
I thought nelly was female.
Says the tool that spent his morning commenting on the united articles. You have the brain capacity of a peanut I’m not surprised
Patrick,
Who is that aimed at?
It’s aimed at Jamie karol
I have to agree with you.
Patrick peanuts don’t have brains
You said it Jamie.
Linesman is a joke, sterling was 2 yards onside
I’m a Liverpool fan but expect bad things today. The Etihad is like a fortress this season – hard to get any result there.
Shyt, with officiating like that, will Liverpool be even allowed to win? That linesman gets paid for that? Prlck!
Hold that!
Very well played both teams.YNWA.
Upset we lost, but proud…. We can win league….
Where you there?
Hi Graham where u at the game today? Or just another sky sports watcher?
Was at an airport, and will watch from wherever I am. Who the fvck are you though? Season ticket holder or just a sad dlck?
Season ticket holder not like u!
Ref is complete joke
Ref a cheat
So if it doesn’t go.your way its someone elses fault
You obviously weren’t watching the match. Sterling perfectly good goal ruled off side, suarez milled out of at edge of penality area and then hauled to the ground in penality area a few mins later.
….then he dived then he got booked ;-)
Booked and he didn’t even touch joe harte
Funny I always though the best players turned up in the big games !
But you’re saying the refs a cheat
Like hes gone out and cheated on purpose. Its an idiotic sentiment
When United lose I hate it, it puts me in bad form, I’m aware of that so I take evasive action and ignore all forms of media, it makes sense. When Liverpool lose the internet becomes a hive of conspiracy theorists sitting on their pity pots. Strange that.
Good man Leslie you don’t have to comment on every article on the journal!
Suarez 2 blatant dives and spent the game moaning, should have been booked. Your right, the ref was AWFUL in that regard
No conspiracy here, bit bad officials still…
Same in the United game Graham, evens out. Listening to Boddgers complaining though is embarrassing.
How many u at the game today, let’s have a count:))
Fergie must have embarrassed you everyday then.. :) All managers have a go, especially after a howler… Which the assistant had… A ref from greater manchester too…. Strange…. But these things do even out…. Still proud of the ‘pool, gave Citeh a game that no one has given them at home… Unlucky to lose…
No embarrassment Graham, he has the credentials to back it up, Buck Rodgers has naught.
Jaysus I can’t wait to get the ride tonight
where is suarez now?
Still at the top of the scoring chart last time I looked…
Been surgically removed from Kompanys pocket
U at the game?
Yes Mick, why do you ask? Season ticket holder, most of the lads here are in fact. We meet regular around the country when we are not all over there supporting our teams.
Why do you ask?
So a player has to not only score but score absolutely amazing goals to avoid being called disappointing. Suarez was at the centre of everything Liverpool threatened, especially in their inspiring 1st half performance
Liverpool won’t sit back and defend this game their is no point,going for a high scoring draw on this game city are conceding plenty of goals.
Not at home though, only 5 conceded and 3 of them were from Arsenal. I’m open to correction on that but I’m fairly sure.
Don’t EVER discard Man United, Champions of all Champions!!!
Champions of all champions – except where it matters. In Europe!
Absolute cheating by the ref assistance with sterling goal a few mins ago
Wonder who gave you the disagree for a clearly correct fact.
Cheating? Or a bad decision? Theres a difference. It all evens itself out over the season, Im sure LFC will get a decision they shouldnt get before May.
Biggest week of the season for liverpool. Odd being top of the table and being underdogs. Liverpool conceding some really daft goals lately but so are city. This game could be an absolute cracker given recent form of the two teams but i’d take a boring 1-0 to liverpool right now
But your not top now !
Liverpool will either win, or lose in regular style, though not the massacres Arsenal, Man U or Spurs suffered….
My apologies. Were at the top of the table until an hour ago. Were still underdogs then.
The last 3 occassions Liverpool have been top at Xmas they have failed to win the league.
The “best player in the world”, I think today proves how outrageous that statement was!
City 4-1
That scoreline is on now…. :)
Aww Liverpoool are no longer top of the Premier League. LMAO.
Such a predictable comment from a sour grapes Manc. Still languishing. And leaking goals like a sieve. LMAO indeed!
And utd are where?
5 points behind Liverpool. By the time Liverpool plays again it could be only 2 points.
20
Enjoy your holiday in ireland John. Great to see Manchester people enjoying the festive period in Ireland. And of course equal welcome to the Scousers.
Here’s me thinking utd fans were fickle. Happy with being 2 points behind liverpool after 19 games considering they were 21 points ahead at the same stage this time last year. Tells me a whole lot about the way the 2 clubs are moving
lol good man David. Your prolific breakdown is wonderful. Tells a lot for sure, since LFC have fallen like a rocket from 1st, does that tell us anything?
Is it over? Was there a title awarded today?
Ya, top team in the world was LFC, best striker in the universe went to Suarez, Buck Rodgers got the bestestestestestestestes manager the world has ever seen.
Well deserved. Without doubt the best team the PL has ever seen. Without doubt
It sure does. Tells me city will win the league. It tells me although liverpool lost they can mix it with the big boys. Teams have gone to city and got destroyed, utd included and imo liverpool unlucky not to get a draw. Bad decision for sterling offside but im sure theyll get one before the end of the season. It also tells me from this time last year utd gone from 1st to 7th. Dropped like a rocket if you will
U seem to be telling yourself a lot there David, Andy Goram related is he?
Its tells me that LFC has fallen from 1st to 4th in one day, its tells me that the same team on for their 3rd time top at xmas but not won the title.
Tells me that Suarez not getting booked for diving and mouthing off was a shocking decision.
Tells me that Rodgerred is cracking up now bleating on about the officials. Under pressure lol.
Jaap. Bite me. Liverpool were the best team tonight and were genuinely unlucky with officials and missed chances. Suarez created at least 3 goal scoring opportunities for others and was dragged down at least once for a pen. Utd got smashed 4-1 at that ground.
Whats your point exactly? Firstly there’s 3 points between 1st and 4th. Its that close believe it or not.3 teams below them won and 1 lost. Its that simple. Secondly, where have I ever proclaimed liverpool to be bankers for the premiership. I said at the start of the season i’d be happy with top 4 and a bit of progression. So far I think they’ve met that.We both know had liverpool won today there would there would be an eerie silence coming from your lot.
Not in the real world they weren’t. Take the beaten, it was the same 3 points that City got against us I think, or have the introduced bonus points now?
United won today at hull, weren’t LFC smashed at that ground….
Suarez still didn’t score. Costa has a better conversion rate than him also I see. He must be 2nd in the world behind Ronaldo now with Messi.
Silence David…. bit like the scousers on here I take it? Nah, we don’t give 2 fks about the bin dippers, just returning the posts we get when we lose, though it seems that the LFC fans can’t take a beating.
Come New Years it could be out of the top 4 too.
Emm… It seems like you do give 2 fuks about liverpool or why would you even bother commenting. Are you 12 or something(i’m also assuming you’re not the real jaap stam). Worry about your own team because believe me you’ve plenty to worry about.
lol yes I’m 12 David, I just laugh at the scousers, hope crushed for 24 years yet like a child at xmas expect to win it each year.
Are you 13 by any chance?
To think Blackburn and won and got relegated since the bin dippers last won a league. LOL.
Plenty to worry about yes, that 21st title is around the corner, can’t say that about the bin dippers.
Bodgers is still firing the toys out, so many similarities to the spanish waiter.
Seems to me youre as deluded as these liverpool fans you’re bleating on about. Give me a break, utd are as far away from winning the premiership at this moment of time as liverpool ever were.
But anyway, no i’m not 13, i’ve seen my fair share of good times but a hell of a lot of bad times. No doubt you’ve only seen good like the vast majority ye who jumped on band- wagon when the going got good. I’m predicting interesting times ahead for ye.
United are 8 points off the top….. didn’t you say that the bin dippers were 21 points off United this time last years…. so we know the old maths wouldn’t be the scousers strong point, so you think we are as far away????
And the vast majority of LFC fans started supporting in the 70′s and 80′s didnt they, when LFC were winning…. so band wagon for you boys isnt’ it ;)
I’m predicting the same titeless seasons for ye, no change there eh.
Haha. Funny guy. Squad wise i meant. Perhaps I should have fully explained my comment but then one would think any sort of dipsh#t would have gotten that.
Anyway i’m outta here. Id much rather have a mature debate without some blinkered, jumped up little sh#t trying to pick holes in everything about a team that has no relevance to to his everyday life.
See ya on here jaapstam the next time utd lose, though i doubt you’ll be here.
lol, awww can’t handle the truth then David?
jumped up, going by that pic you wouldn’t be fit to jump ;)
“no relevance to his everyday life”… so the bin dippers control your life do they? Bit sad that.
Even though city are 1 down i am backing them for the win.
3.75 i got on Paddypower. Come on city. Bring home the bacon.
Cha Ching, Cha Ching, merry christmas.
If the pool lose to Chelski they have no chance of winning the league,not sure they have much hope anyway,but over and out if they lose on Sat . Suarez has been amazing so far this season,but big disappointment today.
(1)Suarez laid a goal on a plate to sterling in the 2nd half who missed from 2 yards in front of goal. (2) He would have scored had his own player johnson not got in the way on the goal-line. (3) He created a beautiful assist for the ‘goal’ which was incorrectly ruled offside. (4)He also had more posessions than any other liverpool attacking player and (5) he worked tirelessly defensively.
Not bad for a “disappointment” eh?!!
Analyse the game yourself, stop listening to what your friends/the media tell you to say, use your own brain and stop being an idiot.
3-4 Liverpool. Cant see either team sitting back.
What’s with all the Liverpool fans talking nonsense “it will be hard to win against man city” what games are ye watching Liverpool can beat city GO ON THE POOL
Should give us some insight to real credentials of both. United fan
Anyone but Manc Utd
City won Christy. LFC not top as you said on the Arsenal story.
FOR F*&!£ SAKE SUAREZ SCORE!! You’re my fantasy captain and I’ve a fiver on you!
Navas looks lethal
Hard luck Liverpool…now is the time for character and to dig deep
So the man is 2nd in the world, according to the bin dippers, where was he tonight?
He has now scored 16 goals against the bottom 7 clubs, yet only 3 agains the top 13 teams in the PL. Just like Ronaldo, Messi, Imbra, Costa, Ribery right????
Kompany is still trying to drag him out of his pocket.
This game is a freeroll for Liverpool. I think most Liverpool fans were only expecting 4 points at the most from the two previous games. The win at spurs was unexpected in my opinion. I hope they go out against city and have a real go. City missing a few of their big names. Great opportunity for the reds to get something. That said I expect a city win.
Dear Michael, Alvaro Negredo is the man of the match no Fernandinho….you really watched the match?? @_AlvaroNegredo_
Arsenals title now
I think we are going to get battered today!
Man city fan?
Liverpool
On an in laws excursion lads. What happened with ref / linesman ? What with the comments