A mistake from Liverpool debutant Alberto Moreno has gifted Manchester City a 1-0 half-time lead in the contest between the two sides at the Etihad Stadium this evening.
It was champions City that had the first sight of goal in the seventh minute, but having evaded the attention of his marker Dejan Lovren, Edin Dzeko scuffed his shot wide from the edge of the penalty area.
Eight minutes later another chance went the way of City as Gael Clichy's deep cross from the left found Pablo Zabaleta unmarked at the back post. However, the full-back's volley was always rising and it flew well over Simon Mignolet's crossbar.
The visitors grew into the game as the half wore on, although it wasn't until the 33rd minute that they carved out their maiden opportunity. Raheem Sterling found Daniel Sturridge on the left-hand side of the area and despite the narrow angle, he went for goal, only for Joe Hart to palm clear the danger.
The defining moment of the half arrived four minutes before the break when left-back Moreno failed to clear the danger in time and Stevan Jovetic pounced inside the area to lash his shot through the legs of Mignolet from eight yards out.
Liam Apicella
