Match Analysis: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Liverpool picked up their first point of the season while Manchester City maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Anfield this afternoon.

Here, Sports Mole scrutinises the enthralling encounter.

Match Statistics:

Liverpool:
Shots: 16
On target: 9
Possession: 48%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 10

City:
Shots: 10
On target: 5
Possession: 52%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 2

Was the result fair?

You'd have to say no. Liverpool outplayed the champions for much of the game and will feel hard done by not to be leaving with three points, especially considering the way they conceded the two goals. The Reds' constant pressing gave City a problem all afternoon and their performance deserved a win.

Liverpool's performance

Much improved from the Reds. They had a clear tactic to hound City when they had the ball and it worked well. Up front, Luis Suarez caused plenty of problems and was well supported by Fabio Borini and Raheem Sterling on either wing. Brendan Rodgers will be a lot happier heading into next week's game against Arsenal.

City's performance

Roberto Mancini won't be a happy bunny after his side were outplayed in most areas. They missed their talisman in Sergio Aguero, with Carlos Tevez struggling for help. Mario Balotelli had a bit of a stinker before being removed and I'm not sold on Mancini's 3-5-2 formation. In the middle, Yaya Toure and Nigel de Jong were sound enough but were probably outshone by Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Raheem Sterling. This kid is just 17 but he played with so much maturity you wouldn't know it. The winger tested James Milner and Kolo Toure on regular occasions and had a delivery to boot. He also helped his team out at the other end by tracking back and slowing down many a City attack.

Biggest gaffe

Only one winner here - Martin Skrtel's nightmare backpass that led to Tevez's equaliser. The big Slovak was well pressed but didn't look up before sliding back towards goal and straight into the path of the Argentinian, who remained calm and rounded Reina to earn a point.

Referee's performance

Andre Marriner had an OK game but perhaps got a couple of big decisions wrong. Jack Rodwell was harshly penalised for a handball from which Luis Suarez curled home a beautiful free kick, while Liverpool will feel they could have had a penalty when Alexander Kolarov slid in on Glen Johnson.

What next?

Liverpool: The Reds will look to build on this positive performance when they welcome a stagnant Arsenal to Anfield in a week's time.

City: Mancini's men also have a week off and will look to get back to winning ways when Queens Park Rangers visit the Etihad on Saturday.