Manchester City – Liverpool

1. Join us at 2000 GMT to see if Liverpool can upset Man City and put a dent in their title challenge.

2. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0101/robertomanciniangry_275x155.jpg"><br>Is Roberto Mancini feeling the pressure?

3. The focus is on his team-mates, but Edin Dzeko tells Kevin Palmer that he is <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/1003461/kevin-palmer:-man-city%27s-edin-dzeko-happy-to-share-the-spotlight?cc=5739" target="_blank">happy to share the spotlight</a>

4. Well, it's been an eventful evening for Liverpool and the game hasn;t even started yet! We've heard in the last hour the club will not contest Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1003944/liverpool-opt-not-to-appeal-over-suarez-ban?cc=5739" target="_blank">Read the full story here.</a>

5. That means Suarez begins his ban with immediate effect, and he will play no part in tonight's game at Manchester City. He was also banned from Liverpool's last game - the home win over Newcastle - for a separate offence.

6. In Suarez's absence, Dirk Kuyt replaces Craig Bellamy in the only change to the team that won last time out.

7. As for Manchester City, Mario Balotelli and Samir Nasri are ill, while Sergio Aguero and David Silva return to the starting line up. Micah Richards, Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure and James Milner are also recalled.

8. Steven Gerrard is again on the bench for Liverpool.

9. Kenny Dalglish says he was tempted to start Steven Gerrard but is wary of over-exerting him. He also calls Luis Suarez's statement on his eight-match ban "brilliant".

10. This is a big test for Manchester City after their 0-0 draw at West Brom and their defeat at Sunderland. They have gone 216 minutes without a goal but they can boast a 100% record at home this season.

11. Liverpool have already won on the road at Everton, Arsenal and Chelsea this season and pushed City all the way at Anfield back in November.

12. There are two other games tonight as Tottenham take on West Brom and Sunderland travel to Wigan - I'll keep you up to date with scores but for coverage of all the games, and chat too, join Jon Carter on <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/1003915/matchday-live---january-3?cc=5739" target="_blank">MatchDay Live here</a>.

13. 1'

    <b>KICK OFF</b>

14. 2'

    Carroll wins his first header and Charlie Adam nearly gets into the box and on the end of it before Clichy boots clear.

15. 3'

    The game being played firmly in the middle third of the pitch in the early stages. The teams feeling each other out.

16. 4'

    Carroll flicks the ball to Kuyt who crosses to no-one in the area. An insight into Liverpool's plan - one up top with a five-man midfield to support, though no-one did that time.

17. 5'

    Very little time on the ball for any player at present. Closing down quickly the order of the day it seems.

18. 6'

    First dangerous move from City as Richards gets into the area and finds Aguero, who lays off to Dzeko but his rather ugly first touch allows Skrtel to tidy up.

19. 7'

    Superb move from Liverpool as Henderson threads Downing in on goal but Hart is out quickly to block the shot and Richards cleans up. What a chance.

20. 8'

    A real lack of composure shown both by Dzeko and Downing with their respective chances. Had they been confident it could already be 1-1.

21. 9'

    Dzeko tries to make amends by taking Silva's cross well and testing Reina from a tight angle. The keeper parries it behind.

22. 10'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Aguero scores!

23. 10'

    A horror show for Reina - Aguero's shot from 20 yards was right at him but he's got it all wrong and dived over it. An absolute gift for City and their goal drought is over.

24. 11'

    A massive rick from a goalkeeper with such high standards. The ball has squirmed in between his legs and hands as he launched into a dive for a shot that he probably could have stayed still to repel.

25. 12'

    A big blow for Liverpool and their plan to soak up pressure and hit City on the break. Again Aguero tests the 'keeper this time but his chip doesn't possess the height required to get over Reina.

26. 13'

    For a defence as tight as Liverpool that really was a gimme. Not the best side to hand one too. Still, 75 minutes left.

27. 14'

    Reina slammed the ball back into the net after his mistake and he was nearly tested again there as Silva lurched into the penalty area with Skrtel for company.

28. 15'

    Kuyt turns in a decent cross from the right and Carroll meets it but he was going away from goal and couldn't direct it on target under pressure from Kolo Toure.

29. 16'

    Carroll is late on Clichy after his poor pass to Kuyt was intercepted. No card.

30. 17'

    A good chance for Johnson to cross but he hits Clichy and wins a corner.

31. 18'

    It was Downing's burst that created the opportunity - he and Henderson linking well in the early stages.

32. 19'

    Spearing's cross sees Carroll challenge Hart and the goalkeeper elects to punch clear rather than catch - and for a second time when Enrique centres.

33. 20'

    Carroll chases down Hart and forces him to kick on his left - the ball drops right to Adam 45 yards out but his first time pass wide for Kuyt is misplaced.

34. 21'

    Dzeko finds some space as Aguero's run takes Agger out of the way. The shot hits Johnson and wrongfoots Reina, but dribbles a yard wide of the post.

35. 22'

    Downing and Kuyt link up well and Silva is adjudged to have tripped the winger - the replay shows there was little to no contact. Free kick on the angle of the box to the right hand side.

36. 23'

    Adam's effort bounces just in front of Hart and he takes no chances by parrying clear.

37. 24'

    As Liverpool recycle the ball Adam finds Kuyt and he wins a corner off Clichy.

38. 25'

    Henderson tries his luck from 30 yards as Kuyt battled with Kolo Toure for the ball but he drags his shot wide.

39. 26'

    Carroll and Kompany are battling hard for every ball - the City defender comes off worst in the latest duel. Liverpool firmly on top since the goal.

40. 27'

    Carroll wins a good header and plays in Adam, Kolo Toure is late and Liverpool have a free kick right on the edge of the penalty area.

41. 28'

    Agger, Adam and Henderson circling the free kick.

42. 29'

    Henderson hits the wall with a weak shot. A wasted opportunity.

43. 31'

    Aguero wants a penalty as a deflection flicks the ball up onto Skrtel's arm. Not a penalty in my book - too close and no movement towards the ball. The ref agrees.

44. 32'

    Dzeko does well to wins a corner off Agger after he was fed by Milner. City in a rare break forward.

45. 33'

    Reina redeems himself partially with a flying save from Kompany's near post header.

46. 33'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Yaya Toure scores!

47. 33'

    Reina saved the first one but could do nothing about the second, Silva delivers, Yaya Toure glances at the near post and it flies over Reina's head and in off the bar.

48. 34'

    Liverpool had been warned with the first corner but they couldn't prevent a carbon copy with the second. A good header from Yaya Toure but poor marking.

49. 35'

    Downing is penalised for handball but reacts furiously, telling the referee the ball was controlled with his chest.

50. 36'

    Liverpool need to ensure they don't concede another before half time - there would be no way back at 3-0.

51. 37'

    Downing tries his best to reduce the deficit as he crosses for Carroll but the big man flicks a volley wide.

52. 38'

    Sunderland lead Wigan 1-0 at half time I should tell you, Craig Gardner with the goal.

53. 39'

    And Spurs are locked at 0-0 at the break in their clash with West Brom.

54. 40'

    Gerrard and Bellamy out warming up for Liverpool. How soon until we see them I wonder?

55. 41'

    Dzeko draws a foul from Adam and City have a free kick 25 yards out and central.

56. 41'

    Silva's effort was always too high and Reina can safely watch it fly over the bar. Expected better from the little maestro.

57. 42'

    A superb block from Kompany as Carroll won a high cross to knock down to Kuyt and his shot was going in before the big Belgian got in the way. Superb defending.

58. 43'

    Dzeko gets his own back on Adam for that foul a moment ago by sliding in from behind and upending the midfielder. Surprised we haven't seen a card yet.

59. 44'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> I spoke too soon - Barry brushes Spearing just after the Liverpool man had played a pass and is booked. Spearing made the most of that.

60. 45'

    <b>HALF TIME</b> An even opening 45 minutes but two simple goals for City, Reina diving over Aguero's early shot before Yaya Toure's near post flick from a corner made it two.

61. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0103/sergioagueromancityvliverpoolceleb_275x155.jpg"><br>Sergio Aguero expresses his glee following Pepe Reina's error

62. Don't forget Jon Carter has all the goals, updates and chat over on <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/1003915/matchday-live---january-3?cc=5739" target="_blank">MatchDay Live</a>. Ask him why Suarez isn't playing tonight - he'll never tire of that one.

63. <b>Stat attack</b>: The last time Liverpool came from two goals down to win a Premier League match was away at Man City in October 2008.

64. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0103/yayatouregoalmancityvliverpool_275x155.jpg"><br> Yaya Toure's flick makes it 2-0 to City

65. 46'

    We begin again...

66. 47'

    Sunderland have just gone 2-0 up at Wigan - James McClean nodding home at the second attempt.

67. 48'

    Great run from Richards, barging Enrique out of the way and nearly mugging Spearing too.

68. 49'

    Kompany does well to hang in the air and reach Enrique's cross before Carroll can.

69. 50'

    More good pressure from Liverpool and Kuyt crosses this time, Kompany's header falls to Downing who has a powerful shot blocked.

70. 51'

    Tottenham have taken the lead against West Brom - Jermain Defoe turning in the area and finishing well. And Wigan have pulled one back too, Rodallega halving the deficit.

71. 52'

    The weather looks truly terrible in Manchester - every stereotype about the rain in Lancashire in evidence tonight. Driving rain and blowing a gale. Lovely.

72. 53'

    Gerrard continues to warm up on the touchline - surely he'll get at least half an hour? Perhaps less for Bellamy, he still struggles with knee trouble.

73. 54'

    Looks like there is movement on the Liverpool bench.

74. 56'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Johnson is booked after he slipped, then dragged back Aguero as he looked to break. The weather starting to play a part now.

75. 57'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Adam makes way for Gerrard and Kuyt trots off to be replaced by Bellamy. A big point to prove for Bellamy against the manager who sold him. A good reception from the home fans for the Welshman too.

76. 58'

    Dzeko gets involved in a shoving match with Skrtel and Agger after being eased off the ball by the former and landing heavily on his arm. One to watch.

77. 59'

    Bellamy wastes no time getting quality into the box but Clichy, of all people, at the back post heads clear.

78. 60'

    What a rotten night it is in Manchester - the rain lashing down.

79. 61'

    The game getting a little messy, which given the atrocious weather, is understandable.

80. 62'

    Enrique is forced to head towards his own goal and boot clear after Reina refused to come out for a ball over the top. A little spat ensues.

81. 63'

    Liverpool win a corner and take it short, Bellamy's cross finding Carroll but his header is weak and Hart claims.

82. 64'

    It is now 3-1 to Sudnerland at the DW - Sessegnon bagging the latest.

83. 65'

    Bellamy cuts inside Richards and has a pop on goal but drags it wide of the near post.

84. 66'

    Milner and Johnson are down after a challenge. Milner is in real pain - looks like he took a bash on the knee. Very nasty.

85. 67'

    Johnson returns first, followed by Milner but the City man is moving gingerly.

86. 68'

    Both managers are insisting on prowling their technical areas, and both are absolutely soaking.

87. 69'

    Gerrard trying to push Liverpool forward but Barry gets in front of him there, and again another City move breaks down at Dzeko's feet. He's been very poor tonight.

88. 70'

    Sunderland 4-1 Wigan, a peach from David Vaughn.

89. 71'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Aguero trudges off to be replaced by Adam Johnson.

90. 72'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/red_card.jpg" height="15"> Barry gets a second yellow and he is off. An innocuous bump on Agger and that is truly ridiculous.

91. 73'

    A chance for Liverpool - once again they are playing the last part of their match with City against ten men.

92. 74'

    <b>MAN CITY PENALTY</b> Skrtel brings down Toure and the ref points to the spot.

93. 75'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Milner settles the clash with an emphatic penalty.

94. 76'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Its all happening, and now Silva goes off to be replaced by Lescott. Maxi Rodriguez comes on for Spearing too.

95. 77'

    Right, so let's catch up - a brilliant run from Toure in the first place, Skrtel brushed him with a knee and the City man made the most of it. A soft penalty for me, but no doubt about the finish, a thumping strike from Milner.

96. 78'

    Mancini started waving an imaginary card about when Toure went down under Skrtel's tackle - not good to see. Just because it is a penalty doesn't mean it should be an automatic card.

97. 79'

    A great ball from Toure to Dzeko but the big striker takes an age to make his mind up and ends up handing the ball to Enrique, but City win it back and Johnson hits the post with a curling shot.

98. 80'

    Dzeko looks as average tonight as he did when he first joined - just doesn't look fit or sharp. The Torres syndrome perhaps.

99. 81'

    Full time at the DW - another win for Sunderland, this time 4-1 over Wigan. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/live/_/league/eng.1/barclays-premier-league?cc=5739" target="_blank">Here's our live Premier League table</a>.

100. 82'

     City, predictably, sitting back and trying to preserve a clean sheet. Hart is out to claim Enrique's cross. Carroll hasn't done much tonight but he hasn't had much service.

101. 83'

     Sunderland up to tenth in the table now. Amazing what impact a new manager can have.

102. 84'

     An excellent run from Enrique but another crucial clearance from Kompany - he has been immense tonight.

103. 85'

     A half chance for Rodriguez as Johnson finds him in the area - he turns nicely but can't wrap his foot around his shot and banks it wide.

104. 86'

     Gerrard jumps in frustration as Henderson passes backwards when he had options to either side.

105. 87'

     Downing leads Gerrard down a cul-de-sac when he had time to cross.

106. 88'

     Kompany gives Carroll a venomous look as the striker claims a penalty after getting to a cross a fraction before his opponent. Nothing doing.

107. 89'

     Bellamy's shot is flapped at by Hart but Rodriguez misses the follow up as the 'keeper dives at his feet.

108. 90'

     Gerrard buts inside and tries a shot but it lacks the power noramlly associated with his drives and Hart can amble across to save it.

109. 91'

     Four minutes added on...

110. 92'

     City standing firm on the edge of their penalty area as Liverpool look for a consolation.

111. 93'

     Downing cuts in and tests Hart with a low drive but the 'keeper is equal to it.

112. 94'

     <b>FULL TIME</b> A comfortable win for City who open up a three point gap at the top of the league over Manchester United. Liverpool played well in flashes but City had the killer touch, scoring through Aguero, Yaya Toure and James Milner. Back to winning ways for them and the only negative a red card for Gareth Barry.

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