Prior to the kick-off, Liverpool had made a serious intent of their Title ambitions as they announced the signing of former City striker Mario Balotelli for 16m pounds from AC Milan.
Prior to the kick-off, Liverpool had made a serious intent of their Title ambitions as they announced the signing of former City striker Mario Balotelli for 16m pounds from AC Milan.
The Italian was in the stands watching his former and the current club have a go at each other in the EPL but it was City who seized the day.
Strikes from Sergio Aguero, who slid home the third goal seconds after coming on as substitute for the injured Edin Dzeko and a double whammy from Stevan Jovetic ensured Manchester City beat predicted title rival Liverpool 3-1 in the first blockbuster game of the Premier League season.
The Montenegro international had missed almost half the season last year through injury but is now reaping the benefits of a full pre-season with City’s first two goals either side of the halves. City showed why they are one of the favourites to land the EPL crown again as Sergio Aguero, coming off the bench and within 20 seconds, wrapped up the victory for Manuel Pelligrini’s men.
For all their attempts and ambition, the best two teams could offer in the opening 40 minutes was striker Edin Dzeko and Paoblo Zabaleta shoot off target while Yaya Toure drew the first save out of Liverpool stopper Simon Mignolet.
Liverpool too, was at a daunting task as they kept City goalkeeper busy. The likes of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge provided potential threats with Liverpool having plenty of possession as they tested the England international from corners and free-kicks around the penalty area but they failed to take advantage.
Liverpool had were beaten 2-1 here last season and more so, the absence of Uruguayan Luis Suarez was severely missed as they Reds lacked penetration into the City penalty box. With centre-half Dejan Lovren playing only his second game and left-back Alberto Moreno making his debut, the duo lacked inexperience in the Liverpool backline.
After a list of fitness issues regarding with Jovetic, the 22million man from Fiorentina is finally reaping rewards for Pelligrini. Although, Aguero has yet regain full fitness from his pro-World Cup exertions, the Argentine may find limited opportunities unless and until there are goals to change the mind of the manager.
City is again on the Title charge with only Chelsea behind them as favourites in the Title race. Even though the arrival of Balotelli proves that Liverpool are no short of marquee signings, the latter should put on a convincing performance on the pitch if they are to take where they left off last season.
