Carlos Tevez’ 100th goal in
English football denied Liverpool three points in the first league game of the
season at Anfield. Martin Skrtel and Luis Suarez were on the score sheet in an
end-to-end game against the champions, which they came from behind twice to
earn a point.
In Rodgers’ first home league game, he
handed a full Premier League debut to 17 year old winger Raheem Sterling, as
well as Anfield league debuts to Fabio Borini and Joe Allen. Meanwhile, Coates partnered
Skrtel in defence in the absence of Daniel Agger, who’s serving a suspension.
Proceedings
got under way in warm sunshine, but Lucas Leiva pulled up in the fourth minute
holding his thigh. It was a massive blow for the Reds and the Brazilian, who’s
just coming off a long-term injury sustained in November last year.
It was a rocky start for Liverpool, the
passing was misdirected and movement static, but they conjured up the first
chance of the game through Raheem Sterling. Fabio Borini met the winger’s low
cross, but couldn’t apply the finish into the bottom corner.
At the other end, City threatened. Carlos
Tevez, in search of his 100th goal in English football, slipped in
behind the defence. It seemed the Argentinian had run it too far near the
byline, however, his tamed shot snuck past Reina and rolled across the line
before bouncing out off the post. A close call for the hosts.
Chances were few and far between; the
battle continued in midfield, each team battled for possession.
Space opened up for Jonjo Shelvey as he
dropped his shoulder and passed to Suarez central of the goal. The Uruguayan
struck the ball first time, but was denied by a Vincent Kompany block. Joe Hart
was scrambling across his line.
Liverpool were applying pressure as they
grew into the game. Steven Gerrard’s dangerous cross was almost deflected into
his own goal by Kompany; the defender was relieved to see it zip over the bar
for a corner
However, from the resulting corner in the
34th minute Martin Skrtel headed home. The Slovakian brushed off his
marker and thumped in a ferocious header, the Reds’ first goal of the season.
Proceedings almost got better for the home
fans as the second half started. Fabio Borini stole the ball off Zabaleta’s
foot and sprinted towards goal. The Italian played in Suarez, but he couldn’t
find a finish as his shot trickled harmlessly past the post.
The miss proved to be costly. Tevez floated
a cross towards the back post, which Reina claimed, but couldn’t get. The ball
ricocheted off Kelly’s thigh and Toure blasted in to equalize at 1-1.
Minutes later Liverpool replied in grand
fashion. Luis Suarez curled a free kick past the Manchester City wall and into
the bottom corner. Liverpool led 2-1.
Liverpool then had a penalty appeal turned
down. Johnson broke free from the right and stormed into the box. Kolarov
appeared to have brought the right back down, but referee Andre Marriner waved
away claims.
Man City were then gifted an equalizer for
the second time in the afternoon. Martin Skrtel’s blind pass back to Reina was
cut off by Carlos Tevez, who rounded the ‘keeper and slotted into an open net.
It was tough on Liverpool, who for large parts of the game, dominated.
Verdict
It was a tough ending for the hosts, but
the game showed promising signs of the system and ethic Brendan Rodgers is
trying to implement. The passing gradually improved and the movement was
excellent. It was the perfect response to the defeat on the opening day of the
season to West Brom.
With a makeshift defence, a 17 year old on
the left wing, Lucas exiting the game in the fourth minute and players adapting
to a new system, a 2-2 draw against the champions is anything but a bad result.
MOTM: Joe Allen
The Welshman signed by Rodgers for
£15million was excellent in the middle of the park. He controlled the passing
and dictated play. Going into to half time, the former Swansea midfielder
completed 100% of his passes.
At the age of 22, Allen will go from
strength to strength and solidify himself as a fan favourite for years to come.
Sikander
Najib
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