Citizens hold strong at Anfield

Pushing forward with pride, Manchester City held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield. With the draw the Citizens sit firmly mid-table at tenth but effectively snuff-out Liverpool's championship hopes as they are now a distant seven points behind Manchester United. Following the disappointing draw in the UEFA Cup draw against FC København, this match has the potential to reaffirm City's intentions and a foundation to build upon.

With everything to play for Liverpool came out inspired and took the match to City. However defending for Mark Hughes side was near flawless and what wasn't dealt with properly was held back by Shay Given confidently. At the half hour City let go a golden chance to take the lead when Robinho's provision to Stephen Ireland was denied by Liverpool 'keeper Pepe Reina. Following that effort, the home side returned to being the aggressor and whilst they knocked at the door, the match went to the break without a score.

Four minutes after the restart, City took the lead as Robinho and Vincent Kompany linked up to provide the ball Craig Bellamy, with the Wales international effort taking a opportunistic deflection off Álvaro Arbeloa into the net. Up by one, City grew in confidence however Dirk Kuyt leveled the match when he drove home Yossi Benayoun cross into the box. Liverpool continued to throw forward for the winning goal but the Citizens defending was up to the challenge and the match concluded as a 1-1 draw.