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City hammer Reds, regain top spot

Comment: 0 January 4th, 2012 by: admin

AFTER two matches without a win, Manchester City found their way back where they once belonged – the top of the Premier League table.

And they did it in style, venting their ire on struggling Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

City overwhelmed the Reds 3-0 in a dazzling display that signalled they’re dead-serious in their pursuit of this season’s trophy.

Roberto Mancini’s squad broke free from a two-way jam in the lead with Manchester United as they now have 48 points after 48 games, three more than the Red Devils and six away from Tottenham Hotspur who stayed within the leaders’ range by hurdling West Brom 1-0 at White Hart Lane.

A costly error by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina enabled Sergio Aguero to find the back of the net after just 10 minutes of action and City found themselves 2-0 up at the break after a Yaya Toure brace in the 33^rd.

Despite losing Gareth Barry to a 73^rd-minute red card, a second bookable offence, the Eastlands side sealed the outcome of the contest through a James Milner penalty two minutes later.

The Reds, who are mired at sixth spot with 34 points, played without Luis Suarez as the Uruguayan striker started serving his eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra of Manchester United during their game last October 15.

Liverpool also announced that they would not appeal charges against Suarez.

City’s victory, however, presented them with problems in their coming fixtures. Yaya Toure and his brother Kolo are leaving the club after Sunday’s FA Cup tie against United because they will represent Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.

Mancini said there isn’t anyone like Yaya Toure in his squad, saying he and Kolo are very important to their campaign.

The month of January, Mancini added, is a crucial one for them believing that if they remain the leaders they could win the title.

“We should think only about ourselves, try to win every game and see what happens in the end,’’ he added.

The Reds threatened to score first after just seven minutes but blew it. Midfielder Jordan Henderson fired an accurate through ball to fellow playmaker Stewart Downing but the latter was denied superbly by City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

A volley by Dirk Kuyt also nearly put Liverpool in the score sheet but it was blocked by City defender Vincent Kompany.

Mancini claimed it was a “difficult game’’ and praised Liverpool for being a “fantastic team.’’

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