Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City: 5 Things Both Sides Learned at Anfield

This season, Liverpool are unbeaten against Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League. 

The 1-1 result does not give justice to the football Manchester City were playing in the first half, in which Liverpool were played off the park. 

Yet, fortune favoured the brave, and Liverpool would have won the game late if not for Joe Hart's heroics.

Here are the five things both sides learned at Anfield. 

Liverpool: Next Five Games Are Pivotal

Liverpool have demonstrated there isn't a gap in quality between them and the contenders. 

They've drawn against Manchester City and Manchester United whilst winning against Arsenal and Chelsea. 

The thrashing by Spurs was an anomaly considering they were down to nine men. 

The concern for Kenny Daglish is dropping points against sides that are not on par with Liverpool quality a la Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City.

Liverpool's next five Premier Legaue games are against Fulham, QPR, Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.

All winnable games. 

Manchester City: Roberto Mancini's Tactical Oddities

Against Napoli, Roberto Mancini did not play his first choice fullbacks against Napoli's triumvirate of Marek HamŠík, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani.

Against Liverpool, why didn't Mancini start Edin Džeko with Sergio Agüero? 

You take away Džeko's goal scoring ability, and you isolate Agüero.

Liverpool: Luis Suárez Needs Assistance

Going into tonight's game, Luis Suárez won an average of 1.8 free kicks per game, and 25 minutes in, he had already won two. 

The battering Suárez takes in games is a concern, and one has to ask why doesn't Kenny Dalglish start Andy Carroll?

Use Carroll to keep opposing centre backs company instead of letting the likes of Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott hack Suárez at will. 

What was the first thing Carroll did when he came on?

He hacked Kompany from behind. 

The Uruguayan is being asked to do too much. 

He needs assistance, and since Carroll isn't of any use from a goal scoring perspective, play him to divert attention away from Suárez. 

Manchester City: Mario Balotelli...Guaio!

Mario Balotelli concedes 2.8 free kicks per game, and it's even more puzzling considering he doesn't strenuously defend.

Surely he knows he is an easy target for referees, so why, when already on a yellow, would he put his arm anywhere near Martin Škrtel let alone make contact?

As talented of a forward Balotelli is, he isn't a complete one, but he is a troubled one. 

He doesn't track back, he doesn't provide assists, he is greedy and he is a liability. 

How long can Manchester City tolerate the troubled forward? 

Liverpool: Lucas' Wholehearted Displays

Lucas continues to run himself into the ground, winning 11 tackles (wow) and intercepting the ball six times today against Manchester City. 

He has become an integral member to this Liverpool midfield with his all-action running. 

It's a far cry from the same player who was routinely scapegoated for Liverpool's failures. 

The boos echoing around Anfield against Fulham in 2008 spring to mind. 

Manchester City: Samir Nasri's Loss of Form

Samir Nasri provided four assists in his first two games for Manchester City.

Since then, he has only provided three assists and scored three goals in 12 games. 

He continues to drift in and out of games.

Today, he lasted 65 minutes and gave away the ball nine times.

His passing resembled that of defensive midfielder than a £25 million midfield oozing of creativity and ability.  

Nasri or Adam Johnson? Comment below. 

Liverpool: Charlie Adam's Midas Touch

It's the second time Charlie Adam's shot has been deflected for a goal this season. 

In September, against Wolves, poor old Roger Johnson, who has been horrible this season, deflected a shot going well wide into his own goal. 

I'd assume Adam's goal would be ruled a Joleon Lescott own goal. 

Talking about Adam, he still continues to put in Hail Mary passes, but he is gradually getting better. 

I still want to see Jordan Henderson be given a chance in midfield. 

Manchester City: James Milner's Worth

£24 million plus giving away Stephen Ireland...talk about Manchester City paying an inflated price. 

It confuses me as to how a team loaded with talent resorts to playing blue collar hard-working midfielders in the team. 

One is enough. You don't need two. 

James Milner didn't have a good game, as Lucas showed his ability to tackle and win the ball. 

Liverpool: How Many Chances Does Stewart Downing Want?

It's been 14 games now that Stewart Downing has failed to provide an assist or score a goal.

His shooting today was woeful when given two clear opportunities to score. 

His passing wasn't significant, and one wonders why is he still starting? 

Maybe he would impact the game if Andy Carroll started. 

Manchester City: Joe Hart's Greatness

Joe Hart made some wonderful saves, and the save to deny Andy Carroll is a memorable one. 

It's amazing how far Hart has come having dispatched one of the Premier League's greatest goalkeeper in Shay Given.

Hart is set to become one of the Premier League's greatest goalkeepers. 

Your Opinion

What did you think of today's game? 

Keep or sell Mario Balotelli?

Name your worst player of the match. 

Was Lucas the man of the match? 

Please also read Greatest Headed Goals Ever.