Liverpool vs. Manchester City: League Leaders Make Emphatic Statement to Critics

Manchester City dominated Liverpool 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday to make an emphatic statement that they are the best team in the Premier League despite critics making a big deal of their recent poor play.

After drawing to West Bromwich Albion 0-0 and losing to Sunderland 1-0 in their last two league matches, Manchester City were caught by rivals Manchester United at the top of the league table.

With two consecutive poor performances, people were starting to question if City has the makeup of a champion, but City crushed those concerns on Tuesday by destroying Liverpool with an impressive display of defensive quality.

With the clean sheet against the Reds, City has now allowed the fewest goals in the league with 16.

Center backs Vincent Kompany and Kolo Toure were tremendous on Monday and defended nearly every Liverpool cross into the box with perfection.

James Milner also played strongly and was a force in the midfield all over the pitch. His strength was crucial in defending the final third and his attacking quality set up scoring chances in front of Liverpool's goal.

Milner got on the score sheet when he emphatically struck a penalty shot past Pepe Reina in the 75th minute to put the match to bed.

Against the top six clubs in the league table, Manchester City is 4-1-1. They play very well against the league's best clubs and don't get rattled when the pressure is immense.

For all the attacking talent Roberto Mancini has in his squad, it has been the play of his defensive minded players that will make his side champions this season.

Gael Clichy was an underrated signing this summer, and even though teammate Vincent Kompany has become a world-class player, he still doesn't receive enough praise.

Micah Richards has also proven to be the best right back in England, and Yaya Toure's defensive skills have really made the City midfield much tougher in every part of the pitch.

Mancini has his team playing very strong in front of goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has been tremendous this season, and because of their defensive talents, City will not relinquish their lead at the top of the table any time soon.

After a poor stretch of performances, Manchester City showed their critics they are a club of championship caliber, and won't be fazed by massive expectations or the pressures to succeed.

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