Game in a sentence

Liverpool were the better side for most of the match, but two gaffes result in a single point for both sides in a lively game at Anfield.

Observations

• The new “it” guy Raheem Sterling was given his first start by Brendan Rodgers and more than held his own. The youngster schooled Kolo Toure on more than one occasion and showed the creativity and devil may care playing style that has Liverpool supporters excited. He was exposed defensively at times, but for a player coming off a superb performance at Edinburgh this week, Sterling can build on this one.
• Martin Skrtel put the home side ahead in the 34th minute with an amazingly powerful header off a Steven Gerrard corner kick. It’s the cliche of all cliches, but Skrtel wanted it more than Kolarov and Zabaleta. Via Opta Sports, City didn’t trail in a primer league game until November last year. Adversity.
• Is Roberto Mancini bored? City’s manager started David Silva on the bench, paired Carlos Tevez with Mario Balotelli and substituted Jack Rodwell for Samir Nasri in the 60th minute. The man started Kolo Toure! If that isn’t a cry for help than I’m not sure what is. Mancini has made his quest for more additions to his squad well known. Perhaps it’s time the executives at Eastlands listen.
• Yaya Toure scores in big games. With a major assist from Martin Kelly and Pepe Reina – atrocious defending, really – Toure equalized for City in the 63rd minute. In this instance, Sterling looked his age, allowing Tevez far too much space on the wing.
• Luis Suarez is the most frustrating footballer in the world. For a man who can make the turns he does, the pivots that make your jaw drop, the Uruguayan can be wholly unimpressive for large stretches. And then he goes and does this:

•  2-1 for Liverpool. All good. No. Martin Skrtel capped his day with an egregious back pass that Tevez happily intercepted. The Argentinean slid around Reina and equalized. 2-2. The game was filled with poor defending from both teams. Kolarov and Toure were pummeled all day. Skrtel and Kelly have to do better. We’ve seen an inordinate amount of howlers early in the season – is this the beginning of a new, dark trend? This overly dramatic blogger says yes.
• This is what champions do. They get points, away, when not playing their best. City supporters will tell you they did well to leave Anfield with a point – they haven’t won at Liverpool since May 2003 (league play). For the Scousers it’s a missed opportunity. But they’ll do well to recognize an excellent performance – save two blunders – from their team. Brendan Rodgers has the pool playing the attacking football most neutrals like to see.

4 – Luis Suarez’s goal was the fourth shot on target Man City have conceded this season; all four have resulted in goals. Impact.

— Opta Sports (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2012

Three Stars

1. Steven Gerrard Joe Allen by popular vote

2. Yaya Toure

3. Luis Suarez