Player Ratings: Manchester City 0-1 Liverpool

Made a string of superb saves in the first 15 minutes, the pick of which came from a deflected Downing volley. Dived the right way for Gerrard's penalty but couldn't quite get to the ball. Had little to do in the second half but his saves may have kept City in the tie.

Quite a sight when he bulldozes forward, injecting power and pace into City attacks. Brilliant athleticism but still makes the odd clumsy error.

Appeared far less confident alongside Savic in the early stages as Liverpool took advantage of sloppy City defending. Improved as the game went on and was strong in the air against Carroll.

Solid defensively, both at left-back and right-back, but offered little going forward as City searched for an equaliser.

Always happy to demand the ball and start City attacks - but lacked a killer pass in the final third.

Happy to stay on the halfway line and try to start City attacks. Needed to show more drive and seemed to be worried about making strong tackles after his red card a week earlier.

The Dutchman hassled and harried but was ponderous on the ball. His role became superfluous as Liverpool sat deep in the second half and he was replaced by Kolarov in the 72nd minute.

A poor display from the England international. He didn't seem to know what his role was and made the wrong decision almost every time he picked up possession. Replaced by Dzeko in the 66th minute.

A tough afternoon for the Argentine but his workrate never dropped as he continued to make runs for his midfielders. Best sight on goal came when he picked up a loose pass and rounded Reina - but blasted his shot over the crossbar from a tight angle.

The combustible Italian looked like he would rather be anywhere else and was incredibly frustrated from the first minute. He was either going to get substituted or sent off - and it was the former as he was replaced by Nasri in the 39th minute after picking up an ankle injury

Responded to his howler against the same opponents a week earlier with a far better performance. Solid saves as City took potshots at goal, including one excellent stop to keep out a Richards header. Tried to command his area and made a couple of good punches.

Handed a rare start and, on the whole, performed well. Good understanding with the rest of the defence but nearly punished for a loose pass in the second half that Aguero intercepted.

A very strong display from the Slovakian, leading by example at the heart of the visitors defence. Dominant in the air and showed excellent pace and awareness, especially to snuff out balls played in the channel for Aguero.

The England international was selected at left-back and produced a solid defensive performance, forcing Adam Johnson inside into a crowded midfield. Looked slightly uncomfortable playing centrally for the final half-an-hour but did a decent job. Was fortunate not to be punished for a nasty challenge on Lescott in the final minute.

Offered an outlet as he hugged the left touchline in the first half and was heavily involved in the early stages, which included a well struck volley that Hart somehow kept out after a slight deflection. Replaced by Jose Enrique in the 59th minute as Liverpool went to five at the back.

Started the game well in front of the back four before being forced off with a hamstring injury in the 53rd minute. Replaced by Adam.

A busy, energetic performance in central midfield. Seems to be growing in confidence by the game and showed some neat touches. Will only continue to improve playing alongside Gerrard.

Liverpool's captain was in inspirational form and scored the Reds' goal with an excellent drilled penalty in the 13th minute. Provided energy and vision in central midfield and was always a goal threat, forcing Hart into action with a lovely curling effort from 25 yards.

The Welshman's pace was always a threat for the visitors - although he didn't quite find the space he wanted up against Clichy. Looked tired in the second half before being replaced by Carragher 11 minutes from time.

You can't say he didn't try. The £35m signing has been linked with a return to Newcastle but showed he's prepared to fight for his Liverpool career. Unfortunately, he didn't have the quality to hold the ball up and relieve pressure, with the ball appearing to bounce off just about every part of his body during the 90 minutes. Glancing header in the first half went just wide.