Man City 2-2 Liverpool: Spectacular goals were the theme at the Etihad

By Peter Wells: Steven Gerrard doesn't score that often, but when he does his goals are pretty special. Three players that do score often are, Dzeko, Aguero and Sturridge, and yesterday they all added their names to the score sheet in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Coming into the game, City were 10 points behind league leaders Man Utd and were requiring a win, in a crucial home game. Liverpool on the other hand were still stinging after throwing away a 2-0 lead at the Emirates, last Wednesday.

In the first half, Liverpool were the team on top, keeping the ball well, although City pressured them enough, to deny them getting any quick breaks. Sturridge, who picked up where he left off against Arsenal, was picked out over the top of the Liverpool defence. The England striker, took the ball around Hart with an excellent piece of control, but the ball didn't come down kindly for him as he just about got an effort off which was blocked out for a corner by Zabaleta.

The pace of the game hadn't quite got up to full speed in the opening 20 minutes, but Sturridge was heavily involved again in a Liverpool chance, when he sprinted down the left before dragging the ball back to Luis Suarez, who kicked the air rather than the ball.

Lescott then nervously gave the ball away to Suarez on the edge of the box. This time he managed to connect with the ball but couldn't quite find the bottom corner. After so much possession and all the good chances, Liverpool found themselves behind when a swift counter by City was tapped in by Edin Dzeko.

Liverpool were unlucky to be behind, but they didn't feel sorry for themselves. Instead they once again seized control of the game, and were rewarded on 29 minutes. After it looked as though Dzeko was fouled, nothing was called. Liverpool carried on and Sturridge picked the ball up just outside the area, and then thundered past a sea of City players, beyond Joe Hart and into the back of the net.

Liverpool weren't settled their in the first half, and carried on seeing most of the ball. Zabaleta and Hart nearly gifted Liverpool a goal before the break, when Zabaleta didn't realise Hart was coming for the ball and knocked it past his own keeper only to gratefully see it got the wrong side of the post.

City needed a lift at the break, a draw wouldn't be enough, but Liverpool were again on the front foot as the 2nd half began. Liverpool had plenty of half chances, but Hart was untested in the 2nd half. Sturridge was then harshly judged to have dived in the box, and although it was rather theatrical there was contact, and he was going at some speed.

After 15 minutes of the 2nd half, City started to awaken. Dzeko should have done better than miss the ball entirely when Aguero played it in for him, before a Liverpool break ended in Suarez curling with the outside of his boot, wide.

Then on 73 minutes, Liverpool had their revenge. Just as City were looking on top, up popped Steven Gerrard to send the Liverpool faithful into pandemonium, which an outrageous 30 yard strike that had Hart beaten the moment it left his boot.

Like Liverpool, City didn't feel sorry for themselves and 5 minutes later they were level. Liverpool had failed to hang onto a lead again. Reina was to blame for coming out of his area, only for Aguero to beat him to the ball. But to be fair to Reina, no one could envision what was to come next. As from the tightest of angles, and while falling off balance, Aguero managed to curl the ball into the back of the net.

It was the sucker punch of all sucker punches for Brendan Rodgers team, who now we're braced for a final 10 minute onslaught. Yet Liverpool held firm and City's best chance came from a set piece when Maicon headed over, when he should have done better.

The best chance to win the game well to Liverpool, when Joe Hart made a brilliant save, low to his right from Sturridge's curling effort. It came as Sturridge's last act and ultimately the last chance of the game.

Man City now trail their rivals by 9 points, and although you can never rule City out, it's looking like an extremely tough task. Man City have lost 4 points on United in their last two games and will need to get back to winning ways, very soon.

Man of the Match: Daniel Sturridge - Sturridge put in an inspired effort all game, and certainly drove his side to a valuable point against the champions. His goal was excellent and his work rate was even better.

MAN CITY 2
DZEKO 23
AGUERO 78

LIVERPOOL 2
STURRIDGE 29
GERRARD 73