A shocking error in judgement by Jose Reina gifted Manchester City a point but in a thrilling game which had two very contrasting halves. The game at the Etihad ended 2-2.
Earlier in the season a defending error from Martin Skrtel gave Manchester City a point, this time around, Renia’s miss-calculated error combined with an immaculate finish by Sergio Aguero once again gifted Manchester City a point from a game where they were out played by a fair distance.
In hindsight, the first half of the game was rather cold if compared to how it finished. Edin Dezko gave City the lead midway through the first half. The game looked as if it was just another day at the office for Roberto Mancini and his men in Blue.
Daniel Sturridge scored a wonderful goal on his return to the Etihad which was followed by a rather subdued celebration. The goal left City fans infuriated as Dezko was lying on the half-line injured and Liverpool continued to play the game instead of throwing the ball out and the play ended with the game going level in the 32nd minute.
The goal also broke Joe Hart’s chance of keeping five consecutive clean sheets in the English Premier League equaling a club record.
The second half started with Liverpool taking the game to City and creating chance after chance. The game picked up speed and suddenly the game came to life.
In the 73rd minute, Steven Gerrard unleashed a beast from about 25-yards out hammering the ball into the bottom corner of Hart’s goal. The English international keeper could do nothing else but grin.
The game looked well sealed with Liverpool on course for a victory at the Ethiad stadium, until Renia suddenly charged off his line for no reason towards Aguero, who from a very acute angel slipped the ball into the net. He levelled the score on 78 minutes and once again Liverpool let a lead slip.
Just when things start to look good for the Reds they seem to lose the plot. Their dream of securing a Champions League spot this season is looking close to unachievable as they are now ten points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool have still not managed to beat a team a from the top ten this campaign which is definitely a concern for Brendon Rodgers.
Manchester City is now nine points behind Manchester United. Mancini and his men will be feeling the heat as they can see the title is slipping away.