Manchester City Ease To 3-0 Win Against Liverpool: Match Gallery

Manchester City cruised to a comprehensive 3-0 win against Liverpool at Eastlands tonight - sending a message of intent to their fellow title contenders.

Gareth Barry opened the scoring with a crisp drive into the bottom corner on 23 minutes, with Carlos Tevez poaching a second from close range shortly after the break.

Tevez completed the scoring from the penalty spot soon after, converting after Adam Johnson was felled by Martin Skrtel.

Mascherano No Show

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: Javier Mascherano of Liverpool looks on from the stands during the UEFA Europa League play-off first leg match beteween Liverpool and Trabzonspor at Anfield on August 19, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey

Roy Hodgson didn't enjoy the ideal preparation for the game, with Javier Mascherano reportedly refusing to play any part. The Argentine appears to be on the verge of a move to Barcelona.

Milner Makes His Debut

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: James Milner of Manchester City holds off a challenge from Glen Johnson of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at City of Manchester Stadium on August 23, 2010 in Manche

James Milner made his City debut after completing a £23 million move from Aston Villa.

Barry Puts City Ahead

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Nigel de Jong of Manchester City punches the air as Gareth Barry of Manchester City is mobbed by team mates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at

Milner played provider after 23 minutes, setting up his former teammate Gareth Barry to drive home and put City ahead.

Tevez Pounces To Make It 2-0

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Carlos Tevez of Manchester City scores the second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at City of Manchester Stadium on August 23, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by La

Tevez doubled City's lead on 52 minutes, latching onto Micah Richards' header to beat Pepe Reina inside the six-yard box.

Contest Over As Tevez Converts From the Spot

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Carlos Tevez of Manchester City battles with Lucas of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at City of Manchester Stadium on August 23, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Phot

Shortly after the hour mark, Martin Skrtel's foul on Adam Johnson resulted in a penalty. Tevez stepped up in the pouring rain and made no mistake.

Sheikh Mansour Goes Home Happy

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MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 13: A Manchester City fan holds a fake British Pound note with the face of Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at The City of Manchester Stadium on Septe

City owner Sheikh Mansour watched his team for the first time since buying the club, and had much to enjoy.

Mancini's Men Lay Down The Gauntlet

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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane on August 14, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images

After their opening day 0-0 draw at Spurs, City needed a big performance at Eastlands to validate their title ambitions - and Roberto Mancini's men delivered one.

Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson's Liverpool find themselves with just a solitary point two games into the new season.