Liverpool 1-0 Man City, FT report

Steven Gerrard converted from the penalty spot as Liverpool take a 1-0 lead the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Man City.

The Liverpool talisman, starting his first game in the competition since 2007, fired past Joe Hart after Daniel Agger was brought down in the area early on.

Liverpool started brightly as Gerrard’s long range curler was tipped round the post by Joe Hart.

And the City keeper was called into action once again as Stuart Downing’s goal-bound volley from a well worked corner was pushed to safety.

The breakthrough came on 13 minutes as Stefan Savic, in for the suspended Vincent Kompany lunged at Agger in the box, and referee Lee Mason showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot as Gerrard made no mistake from 12 yards.

Man City boss Roberto Mancini was forced to take off a temperamental Mario Balotelli after 38 minutes while substitute Samir Nasri registered City’s only shot on target after a poor half from the home side.

Sergio Aguero failed to capitalise on a poor Martin Kelly back-pass at the start of the second half as City started to move forward but Pepe Reina did well to deny a point-blank Micah Richards header soon after.

The Blues dominated possession but were confined to shooting from distance with Alexander Kolarov, James Milner and Nasri all failing to test the Liverpoolkeeper.

And Reds boss Kenny Dalglish brought on the experienced Jamie Carragher asLiverpool saw out the remainder of the game with five at the back.

The result leaves Man City needing a big performance in the return leg at Anfield newt week.

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