Liverpool have taken a 2-0 lead into the half-time break in their Premier League match against title rivals Manchester City at Anfield this afternoon.

The home side broke the deadlock just six minutes into the clash as Luis Suarez played the ball through for Raheem Sterling, who beat Vincent Kompany before curling the ball past Joe Hart.

Raheem Sterling of Liverpool celebrates his early goal against Manchester City with teammate Luis Suarez at Anfield on April 13, 2014 © Getty Images

The visitors were dealt an injury blow less than 20 minutes in when top scorer Yaya Toure was forced off with what appeared to be a groin injury.

Hart was furious with his defenders when Steven Gerrard was left unmarked in the box during a corner, giving the Liverpool captain a free header, but the England keeper was able to tip the ball over.

However, Brendan Rodgers's side doubled their lead from the resulting corner, with Martin Skrtel rising highest to head the ball in from Gerrard's delivery.

Liverpool's Martin Skrtel celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Manchester City during the Premier League match on April 13, 2014 © AFP

City had a dangerous spell after the half-hour mark, as Edin Dzeko drilled the ball just wide from a David Silva pass forward, before the striker appealed for a penalty a few moments later after being brought down by Mamadou Sakho.

Philippe Coutinho had a chance to extend the home side's lead further shortly before the break, but he dragged it well wide, while Simon Mignolet had to deny efforts from Fernandinho and Silva late on.