Manchester City

3.12

• 
  64

  8

  3.50

  Joe Hart

  A confident performance from the England No.1 as he responded when called upon with some solid saves, not least to deny Downing when one-on-one.

• 
  15

  41

  2.50

  Micah Richards

  Did his England credentials few favors as he struggled against Downing, especially in the first half as he was caught out positionally and outpaced.

• 
  99

  18

  4.00

  Vincent Kompany Top of the Match

  Superb block in the first-half to block Kuyt's half-volley from close range and battled well with Carroll throughout the game, dominating almost every challenge he committed to.

• 
  25

  15

  3.00

  Gael Clichy

  Dealt comfortably in defense against Kuyt and used the ball well when in possession.

• 
  36

  15

  3.00

  Kolo Toure

  Strong display from the Ivorian alongside Kompany as City kept a clean sheet. Good organization and seemed to improve communication with Richards in the second half.

• 
  33

  12

  3.00

  James Milner

  Industrious display from the England international, who looks best suited to a role in a three-man midfield. Perhaps lacked quality with his final ball but made no mistake by converting from the spot in the 75th minute.

• 
  16

  29

  3.00

  Gareth Barry

  Tidy on the ball before being sent off in the second half for a rather innocuous foul on Agger. Unfortunate decision.

• 
  43

  34

  2.50

  David Silva

  The Spaniard was as classy as ever as he drifted around the pitch, but did not influence the game to his usual standard. Delivered an excellent corner for Yaya Toure's goal.

• 
  72

  11

  3.50

  Yaya Touré

  The Ivorian has a knack of scoring important goals and he doubled City's advantage with a powerful header from a 33rd minute corner. Sat deeper than usual but used the ball well and controlled the midfield at times with his power, winning the penalty with a surging forward run.

• 
  89

  26

  3.00

  Edin Dzeko

  Led the line well and tested Reina with a an early turn and shot that nearly sneaked through the Liverpool keeper's legs. Lacked a yard of pace to get away from the visiting defenders.

• 
  62

  28

  3.50

  Sergio Agüero

  The Argentine is City's biggest goal threat and it took only 10 minutes for him to make his mark on the game as his fierce shot from 25 yards dipped under Reina and into the net. Always on the move and looking to fire shots at goal.

Substitutions

• 
  18

  11

  3.00

  Joleon Lescott

  Replaced Silva 14 minutes from time and slotted in ably as City went to five at the back.

• 
  35

  11

  3.00

  Adam Johnson

  Replaced Aguero in the 71st minute and hit the post with a curling effort from the edge of the box.

Liverpool

2.86

• 
  18

  46

  2.50

  José Reina Paez

  Awful mistake to let Aguero's 10th minute strike dip under his body as City took the lead. Made some sharp including one to deny Dzeko from close range, but will have to take the blame for City's opener.

• 
  15

  21

  3.00

  Glen Johnson

  Caught out by Yaya Toure's movement at a corner as the Ivorian headed the hosts into a two-goal lead. Generally strong at the back at got forward well, although he wasn't able to produce any telling crossed.

• 
  37

  11

  3.50

  José Enrique

  Another excellent display from the Spaniard as he kept compatriot Silva quiet for most of the game. Read the play well and always positive in possession, even when under pressure.

• 
  34

  15

  3.00

  Daniel Agger

  A comfortable evening for the Liverpool center back, despite the scoreline. Mainly played a sweeping role and showed good anticipation while being positive on the ball.

• 
  27

  32

  2.50

  Martin Skrtel

  Early block set the tone for a committed display from the Slovakian as he got the better of his duel with Dzeko, showing strength in the tackle and ability in the air. Sloppy challenge on Yaya Toure to concede the penalty.

• 
  25

  26

  3.50

  Jordan Henderson

  One of the youngsters best performances since his move to Liverpool last summer. Showed pace, strength and produced some excellent, precise passes.

• 
  17

  28

  3.00

  Stewart Downing

  A constant outlet in the first half as he caused City problems with his pace and direct running. Shot straight at Hart after being put through on goal by Henderson and drifted out of the game after the break to the extent that he was almost anonymous.

• 
  11

  24

  3.00

  Jay Spearing

  A good defensive display and accurate passing before substituted for Maxi in the 76th minute as Liverpool tried to find a way back into the game.

• 
  14

  28

  2.50

  Charlie Adam

  Tested Hart with one first-half free kick from 25 yards but produced very little else of note. Looked off the pace and failed to find his target with long passes before being replaced by Gerrard in the 57th minute.

• 
  19

  41

  2.50

  Andy Carroll

  Worked hard but got little change out of the City central defenders and lacked support, particularly in the second half. Will need to improve if Liverpool is to stay in the hunt for a top four finish with Luis Suarez serving an eight-match ban.

• 
  17

  48

  2.00

  Dirk Kuyt Flop of the Match

  A poor performance from the Dutchman, who offered almost no attacking threat. Gave the ball away sloppily in the build-up to City's opener. Missed the chance to make amends as Kompany blocked his half-volley from 10 yards.

Substitutions

• 
  43

  14

  3.00

  Steven Gerrard

  Replaced Adam in the 57th minute but didn't have the same impact as against Newcastle. Fizzed one shot narrowly off target from 25 yards.

• 
  26

  14

  3.00

  Maxi Rodríguez

  The Argentine came on for Spearing in the 76th minute and was denied from close range after following up a spilled save.

• 
  37

  10

  3.00

  Craig Bellamy

  Replaced Kuyt in the 57th minute and his pace down the left did seem to worry City. Snapshot from the edge of the box forced Hart into action.