Reds Reject Striker Swap Bid

Liverpool have reportedly snubbed Aston Villa's bid to sign striker Andy Carroll with Darren Bent offered in exchange.

Reports in the Sunday Express claim Villa chief Alex McLeish has approached his Reds counterpart Kenny Dalglish with a plan which would see reported Anfield target, Bent, make the move to Merseyside with Carroll going to Villa Park.

However, it appears that Dalglish turned down the offer because he wants to keep faith with the £35million capture from Newcastle, who has struggled for fitness, form and goals since joining 12 months ago.

It remains to be seen if McLeish will step up his attempts given that England international, Bent, was on target in Villa's 1-1 draw against Everton on Saturday and both player and manager have always insisted that his future is at Villa Park.

Dalglish Plans Carragher Talks

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish plans to hold talks with Jamie Carragher with a view to offering the veteran defender a future ambassadorial role to compare with Steven Gerrard.

Anfield captain Gerrard this week signed a new long-term contract at the club and accepted an offer to remain associated with the Merseysiders when he retires.

Dalglish would also like Carragher to eventually take up a similar position and discussions are set to take place with the centre-back.

Carragher, who is second in Liverpool's list of all-time appearances after 683 games, turns 34 at the end of January and has been out of the first team in the Premier League.

But Dalglish thinks the ex-England international is of identical importance to Gerrard, as the Reds boss said: "We'll have the same conversations with Carra' to see what his plans and ambitions are and to see what he would like to do.

"We want to try and keep him involved at the football club for as long as we can.

"It's hugely important for us to keep people who have been great servants like Stevie and Carra' have been.

"If they want to be here, we should do what we can to try to accommodate them.

"They are a fantastic asset to the football club both on and off the pitch, and that's something we should be looking to develop."

Ayre Defends Liverpool Racism Stance

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre insists any perception that Liverpool's handling of the Luis Suarez affair means they take a soft stance on racism is "totally and utterly rubbish".

The Reds have come in for criticism in recent weeks for the way they have behaved during Luis Suarez's unsuccessful defence against allegations he racially abused Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

Liverpool's players wore T-shirts supporting Suarez before the result of last month's FA hearing had been revealed and the club's reputation has taken a battering in some quarters, particularly after Oldham Athletic defender Tom Adeyemi was allegedly racially abused by a fan at Anfield last week.

The Reds acted swiftly to investigate Adeyemi's complaint of abuse, with a man subsequently arrested, and Ayre is adamant there should never have been any doubt about Liverpool's commitment to fighting racism.

"One of the many disappointing things about recent events is that it has led some people to the perception that Liverpool Football Club's stance on racism and discrimination is not as firm as it is,'' Ayre said. "That is sad for the many fantastic people who work for this club and for our community team.''

"The players showed support for Luis which was fantastic but then some people interpreted that wrongly as the players saying they're not interested in the fight against racism. That is totally and utterly rubbish.''

On the Adeyemi issue, he added in the club's program ahead of Stoke's visit on Saturday: "It is important to us all here that nobody is left in any doubt as to where Liverpool Football Club stand on this. Such behaviour will not be tolerated.''

In the wake of the backlash they received for their approach to Suarez's defence Ayre fully expects the Uruguay international to be the target of abuse from opposition fans.

Suarez has already served half of his eight-match ban after being found guilty of racially abusing Evra and, coincidentally, his first away match is likely to be at Old Trafford where he is likely to be afforded the most hostile of welcomes.

"It will be tough, we shouldn't kid ourselves that opposing fans are going to give him the best of times because that's the nature of football,'' Ayre told BBC Sport.”But he will get 100% support from Liverpool Football Club.

"Luis has come in for a lot of criticism but, we made a decision, Luis made a decision, not to appeal and the reason we did that was to move on. He also made a decision not to appeal the ban.

"Those things have been accepted and he is serving the penalty so we start afresh. The best way Luis can come back is to get on the pitch and score some goals and that's what everyone will expect of him.''

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Stoke

Liverpool turn their attentions back to the Premier League this weekend when they welcome Stoke to Anfield after two games in the FA Cup and Carling Cup.

The Reds go into the clash boosted by the news that skipper Steven Gerrard has signed a new long-term deal which is likely to see him end his playing career at Anfield.

Liverpool, who sit in sixth spot in the table, know there is no room for error as they look to maintain their push to finish in the top four with Chelsea currently three points clear of them in fourth place.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is likely to stick to his strongest possible line-up after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Carling Cup in midweek.

Jay Spearing is set to miss out after picking up a hamstring problem against City so Charlie Adam is likely to start in midfield after coming off the bench at the Etihad Stadium.

Jose Enrique is expected to return to the starting XI after starting the game in midweek on the bench, meaning Glen Johnson will revert to his normal right-back spot with Martin Kelly making way.

Luis Suarez remains absent for the home side as he serves the fourth match of his eight-game suspension, so Andy Carroll will get another chance to impress.

Stoke are looking to complete the double over Liverpool after recording a 1-0 win over the Reds at the Britannia Stadium earlier in the season.

Potters boss Tony Pulis has a number of defensive worries to contend with before finalising his side.

Jonathan Woodgate, Marc Wilson and Ryan Shotton all face late fitness tests as they look to shake off slight knocks.

Full-back Andy Wilkinson could return at the back having overcome his recent knee injury.

The likes of Thomas Sorensen, Matthew Etherington and Peter Crouch are set to be restored to the team after they were rested for last weekend's FA Cup victory at Gillingham.

Possible starting XIs:

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Adam, Gerrard, Downing, Henderson, Bellamy, Carroll.

Stoke: Sorensen, Shotton, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Pennant, Delap, Palacios, Etherington, Walters, Crouch.

Molby: Carroll Important Versus Stoke

Jan Molby believes Liverpool will face a different type of challenge to the one they overcame midweek against Manchester City when they meet Stoke at Anfield on Saturday.

The Dane, who made 292 appearances for the club, also believes Andy Carroll has an important part to play, both in attack and defensively, if the Reds are to take all three points.

"We all know what to expect. Stoke play very direct and take no prisoners," said Molby.

"They will go piling in and we must match them physically.

"We need a physical presence against Stoke and I think Andy Carroll will come in handy in both penalty boxes.

"It certainly won't be easy because after a tough start to the season, Tony Pulis’ side have really picked up over recent months."

Molby also reflected on Wednesday night's win at the Etihad stadium and hinted that Dalglish might look to shuffle his squad for the game against Pulis and co.

He said: "The City game will have taken a lot out of the players and I'd expect Kenny to make a few changes. After a big win, it's all about ensuring the players are mentally prepared to go again.

"Liverpool defended brilliantly against Manchester City and fully deserved their 1-0 lead to take into the second leg at Anfield.

"Having gone one in front, it was a natural reaction that we sat back a bit. It's a two-legged tie and there was no need for us to take risks.

"City had a lot of the ball in the second half but didn't really have any chances. It wasn't pretty with Liverpool playing so deep but Kenny got his tactics spot on."

As for the second leg, Molby is relishing the prospect of another special cup-night atmosphere at Anfield as Liverpool look to secure a trip to Wembley for the first time since 1996.

"There will be a full house and a great atmosphere. There won't be a spare seat and the place will be rocking," he said.

"Liverpool has taken the Carling Cup very seriously this season and winning it would be a reward for that. We're now in a great position to go all the way."

Liverpool Lead The Way For Highly Rated Teenager

Liverpool are reportedly leading the chase for Crystal Palace's highly-rated teenager Wilfried Zaha with the Daily Mail claiming Kenny Dalglish made a personal call to Dougie Freedman.

The newspaper claims the Reds manager contacted his Palace counterpart to express his interest and to discuss the 19-year-old's ability and character.

The Anfield club has been monitoring Zaha for the past 18 months and it appears they have stepped up their interest ahead of making a formal offer.

Zaha caught the eye last season with a string of impressive performances, but it has been this term where he appears to be fulfilling his huge potential, becoming a crucial part of the Palace attack and playing a key role in their progression to the Carling Cup semi-final.

The Mail also claim that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has contacted Freedman with regards to the £10m-rated youngster, while Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is also thought to be an admirer.

Palace are reportedly expecting Liverpool to make a formal offer in the coming days and the Reds are considered the favourites for his signature.

Reds Sow Seeds For Striker Arrival At Anfield

Lille’s determination to sign Joe Cole on a permanent deal could see coveted striker Moussa Sow head in the opposite direction.

Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his attack following a meagre return of 24 goals in 20 Barclays Premier League games this season.

Sow is keen to move to England and has been strongly linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, but reports in France say Liverpool have not entered the race for the 25-year-old.

Le Parisien say Cole, who is on loan at Lille, would join the French champions in part exchange for their Senegal striker, who is on duty with his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.

There is interest from Russia and Lille were also prepared to accept an £8.3million bid from Fenerbahce this winter, but Sow would prefer a move to England and his happy to wait until the end of the season.

The former Rennes striker - who has just 18 months left on his contract - has look distracted this season. He has scored 10 in 25 matches, but was much more prolific last season, when he struck 26 goals in 51 games.

Cole has enjoyed a new lease of life across the Channel and has expressed interest in making the move permanent.

The 30-year-old has played a part in most of Lille's games this season after initially being eased into action and has scored three league goals in 15 appearances.

Dalglish Expects Quiet Window

Kenny Dalglish admits he is in a position to be able to add to his Liverpool squad if required, but says he has no plans to dip into the market at present.

The Reds took in a busy summer on the transfer front, with a number of fresh faces brought into Anfield.

Dalglish is happy with the business he was able to carry out during that window, with Liverpool having returned to the top-four hunt in the Premier League this season.

With there no obvious areas in need of strengthening, the Scot feels it would be foolish to spend money for the sake of it.

He does have funds available should a suitable target become available, but for now the Reds boss is refusing to be drawn into the endless rounds of speculation which greet the opening of the January transfer window.

"We've got an option to be active if we want to be active, but we said at the outset that we'd be quiet," Dalglish told the club's official website.

"It's work in progress for us. We'll just keep doing what we're doing, and the boys will keep working as hard as they can, and we'll see where we go.

"If we needed somebody to bolster up, we could do it - but I said right at the outset, we don't.

"We're not really chasing after anybody that we want to bring in in January. We've been happy with what they (the players) have done since August."

He added: "I don't think it is unusual when we said at the start we would not be very busy. I think it's unusual when people try to invent things, get it horribly wrong and then ask us to justify it.

"We said right at the outset, if anything there will be very little (transfer activity). It's a wee bit disrespectful to us after trying to be honest and saying there might not be much, that we get accused of not being active."

Adam Targets Silverware

Charlie Adam is adamant that Liverpool can finally end their long wait for silverware by winning the Carling Cup in February.

The Reds produced a stoic defensive display in the second half as they overcame Premier League leaders Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium in the semi-final, first-leg on Wednesday night.

The Anfield outfit has not won silverware since their FA Cup success against West Ham back in 2006 and has not appeared in a Wembley showpiece final for nearly 16 years.

However, they have never lost at home in 14 previous League Cup semi-finals and the Scotland international is keen to help instil a winning mentality back in the side.

Adam said: "This club should be winning trophies and it has been a number of years since it last won one.

"We want to try and win as many as we can. We are in a semi-final and we have an FA Cup game to come against Manchester United."

Adam remains hopeful that Kenny Dalglish's side can finish off the job against cash-rich City at Anfield on January 25th.

He added: "I think the tie is still open. It was only the second game they have lost at home this season, but it is still going to be difficult at Anfield.

"The clean sheet will give us confidence though, especially as we lost three goals the last time we went to City.

"It is nowhere near done. We have got 90 minutes of hard work, but we have terrific support behind us and Anfield will be rocking.

"It will be a great second leg and hopefully we can do the job."

Gerrard Targeting Another Deal

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has already set his sights on earning another contract at Anfield despite only just signing an extension.

On Thursday, the 31-year-old agreed a new deal which will keep him at the club until the end of his career - but the midfielder has not set a date on when that will be.

"I'm hoping to play beyond the length of this contract," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I'm feeling fit and strong and I want to play for as long as I can.

"I don't want to put any time frame on it. As long as I feel good and I'm performing at the top level I'll keep going.

"Hopefully over the next few years I'll earn another contract with my performances.

"But even if Liverpool doesn’t offer me another contract after this one I don't think I could play for anyone else. I've been at this club since I was eight and I'm living the dream."

Gerrard is sure to get a noisier-than-usual welcome when he leads the team out at home to Stoke on Saturday as Liverpool look to build on the positives of a midweek Carling Cup semi-final first leg victory over Manchester City, their second successive knockout win after defeating Oldham in the FA Cup a week ago.

The captain scored penalties in both those games but the Premier League now takes precedence and manager Kenny Dalglish is looking for his side to build on their last home success against Newcastle in late December having struggled at Anfield this season.

Kenny - Gerrard Could Be The Best

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes that club captain Steven Gerrard could continue playing well into his late 30s if he remains fit.

The England international midfielder, 31 at the moment, signed an extension to his existing deal on Thursday but has already said that he is looking to go beyond his current contract.

Gerrard's last year has been dogged by a groin problem which required surgery and then an ankle infection, and Dalglish admits that fitness will play a big part in his longevity.

"You have to wait and see how they get through injuries," said the Scot.

"(Manchester United winger Ryan) Giggs is 38, isn't he? That's seven years down the line - that's a long time to predict - but if he's fit there's no reason why not.

"I've not got a crystal ball. I'm just delighted he's done what he's done and we have got him here."

Dalglish is considered Liverpool's greatest player but the Reds boss believes that Gerrard must now come into the reckoning.

"I wouldn't disagree he has certainly made a huge contribution to the club but he wouldn't be far away from being mentioned as the best player," he enthused.

"It is not just what he does in and around the first team it is what he stands for at the football club as well - which is more important.

"His standing within the community is fantastic and the way he does other work happily is a great testimony to himself as well."

Liverpool Assess New Striker Transfer Target

Liverpool is reportedly considering a move for Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud as they bid to solve their profligacy in front of goal.

The Reds have managed just 1.2 goals per Premier League game this season, only scoring more than two goals in a match on two occasions so far.

Their top league goalscorer, Luis Suarez, only has five goals, and is of course currently serving an eight match suspension.

It is clear that improvements are needed in front of net, with the majority of the criticism heading in the direction of Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing.

Olivier Giroud is having a great campaign for Montpellier, the surprise leaders of Ligue 1, and the 25 year-old Frenchman has scored 13 goals in 18 league starts this season.

That’s as many as Suarez, Carroll, Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard combined.

Giroud is a tall striker with a powerful strike from distance and a great header of the ball.

He has recently broken into the France national team, and is tipped as David Trezeguet’s successor in the side.

Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin will not make it easy for his player to leave for pastures new though, and balked at the fees mentioned.

“At €10m (£8.3m)? No. Given that he still has more than two years of contract, it will cost more. He has a contract until 2014, [so] €50 (£42m) or €60m (£50m) at least.”

Giroud has also been linked with Newcastle United and Arsenal.

Liverpool Keen On Danish Wonderkid Lucas Andersen

Danish wonderkid Lucas Andersen could be on his way out of Aalborg in the winter transfer window, with Liverpool keen on a move for the teenager.

The highly rated youngster made his official first team debut for Aalborg in March 2011 at the tender age of 16, and has since developed into an important member of Aab's squad.

A number of strong performances this season have not gone unnoticed abroad, and a string of European clubs, including Ajax and Borussia Dortmund, are closely monitoring Andersen's progress, with Kenny Dalglish hoping to steal a march on the competition.

"I won't mention any names, but there's plenty of interest in Lucas. We are currently not in talks with any team, but a lot of clubs have asked us about his availability," Aalborg sporting director Lynge Jakobsen told Sporten.

Andersen recently received a call-up for the Denmark League XI national football team that will feature in the 2012 King's Cup.

Liverpool & Newcastle Monitoring Holland International Striker

Premier League duo Liverpool and Newcastle are both interested in signing FC Twente striker Luuk de Jong but neither side has made an offer, according to the player’s agent.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs around Europe after impressing for Twente, with Italian side Fiorentina already having declared their interest.

Twente have just employed Steve McLaren for the second time and it seems as though the former England manager will have a tough time keeping hold of the Dutch international

De Jong's agent, Louis Laros, has admitted that Liverpool and Newcastle are expected to make an offer in the coming weeks but believes the striker will stay at the club beyond January.

"I don't think a transfer is possible [to Liverpool or Newcastle] because I don't think FC Twente will let him leave in the winter transfer period," Laros told the International Business Times.

"If there is a possible transfer then I think it is at the end of the season. I haven't received a phone call from Liverpool or Newcastle that they are completely interested in Luuk de Jong. For this moment, I think it is just a rumour.

"I know they [Liverpool and Newcastle] are watching him but I have had no direct contact with both clubs over a possible transfer."

Laros also revealed that Newcastle have been keeping a close on Luuk's older brother Siem who plays for rivals Ajax, as well as Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

"I spoke to Newcastle about Luuk [de Jong], his brother Siem and Ricky van Wolfswinkel but I only know they are watching, for a possible transfer it's too early," he added. "I didn't receive a phone call to start negotiations; they are only watching him at the moment.

"Maybe I will get a phone call tomorrow from the club saying they are ready to start negotiations but until then, nothing is happening."

"Clubs like Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Arsenal are watching every good young player in Europe, and these guys are one of those players who could be interesting for a lot of clubs.

"They are watching them but they are also watching a lot of other great young players. There has been nothing yet."

Ghanaian Midfielder Set For Trial

Ghana youth midfielder Mumuni Abubakar is set for a two-week trial with Liverpool.

The 18-year-old was recently voted the Sport Writers Association's Ghana Premier League Player of the Year for 2011, and is tipped for a bright future.

Abubakar caught the eye of Liverpool scouts playing for Ghana's U20 side in Italy back in November, and Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to take a closer look at the African ace, inviting him to spend some time at Anfield with the club's reserve and Academy sides.

"Liverpool will assess him for ten days and then take a decision but I'm confident he's not coming back to Ghana," confirmed FIFA agent Oliver Arthur.

"He is a promising player and I wish him all the best."

New Reds Deal For Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has signed a contract extension and set his sights on a bright future for the club he loves.

Gerrard has spent his entire career with the Reds and has now put pen to paper on a new deal that commits him to staying at Anfield long-term.

The news comes less than 24 hours after the midfielder helped Liverpool take a 1-0 lead over Manchester City in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

Gerrard, 31, is delighted to have been given fresh terms and is confident Liverpool can achieve great success before he hangs up his boots.

"I'm very happy," he told the club's official website. "It's a very proud day for myself and my family.

"It comes on the back of a fantastic team performance on Wednesday night when we got the result we were looking for. Hopefully we can finish the job off in two weeks' time and take all of our magnificent fans down to Wembley for a day out.

"The contract extension coming the day after has been the icing on the cake so it has been a perfect 24 hours.

"This is the club I love and is the club I have supported since I was a young boy. I am living the dream as the captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I love coming to work every day and the experiences I have had since I was eight years of age and first signed for the club, I wouldn't change them for the world.

"To extend that and to hopefully have some more good times in a red shirt is what I want."

Gerrard has been frustrated by injuries in recent times and results that have gone against Liverpool, but he feels all the elements are in place under Kenny Dalglish to bring back the glory days.

"There will be more highs and lows, there's no doubt about it as that's part and parcel of being a football player at a top club," he stated.

"The important thing is that you react well to the lows and experience more of the highs. I'm confident moving forward that the club is going in the right direction.

"We've got a fantastic team, we've got the right owners in place and the right team behind our team, so I'm really confident we'll have more good experiences in the future."

Gerrard has also agreed to take up an ambassadorial role at Liverpool once his illustrious playing career draws to a close.

"It's really flattering for me that the club has offered me the chance to stay when I eventually hang my boots up," he added.

"Hopefully that will be in many years to come because I want to play for as long as I can.

"I'll know myself when it's time to hang my boots up and then hopefully I can stay involved with the club and set the right example for youngsters coming through."

Gerrard Deal Delights Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish feels captain Steven Gerrard fully deserved to be rewarded with a new long-term deal at Anfield.

The England international put pen to paper on a contract extension on Merseyside on Thursday, the terms of which were not disclosed by the club.

The 31-year-old, who has spent his entire career with the Reds, finalized the deal less than 24 hours after scoring the only goal in their 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first leg victory at Manchester City.

Dalglish was delighted to see the skipper pen a new deal after recently coming back from prolonged injury problems.

"For us, for Steven and for everybody connected with football club it's fantastic news," he told the club's official website.

"We're delighted for him and are looking forward to him getting back to full fitness and working hard for us and with us.

"He's been a fantastic servant to the football club."

Director of football Damien Comolli echoed the Scot's sentiments, saying: "It's a great day for the club, for the fans, for the manager and for everybody because, as I have said in the past, it's a sign we want to keep our best players here.

"Because he is the captain and because of everything he has done so far it's an even better feeling.

"Everybody says he's the best player this country has had for the last 20 years. I think that's quite unanimous."

Reina: Anfield Will Be Rocking

Jose Reina believes the Anfield faithful can play a big part in helping Liverpool book their place in the Carling Cup final.

The Reds hold the upper hand in their semi-final showdown with Manchester City, with Steven Gerrard's penalty at the Etihad Stadium handing them a narrow lead.

The road to Wembley will now head to Merseyside on 25th January, with everything riding on the second leg of an evenly poised encounter.

Reina is confident Liverpool can get the job done, seeing them into their first major final in five years, and the Spanish shot-stopper has called on the Reds supporters to play their part.

"We are pleased, we are halfway through but we now have another hard job with the 90 minutes in the second leg," he told the club's official website.

"Anfield is going to be rocking and that is guaranteed for any second leg of a semi-final.

"Our fans will be massively important and they are always with us. I've no doubt they will be with us in the second leg and it will be one of those magical nights at Anfield.

"Hopefully they can help us get through to the final.

"We have got to finish the job now after doing the most difficult part which is winning away from home at City.

"We knew it was going to be tough but we felt if we could start with a high tempo and take the game to them we could cause them some problems.

"We started very well and could have scored before we got the penalty when Joe Hart made some great saves.

"I thought we handled them well in the second half because we know how much quality City have got, especially at home, but we got the result to keep us alive for the second leg.

"We now turn our attentions to an important league game against Stoke on Saturday and hopefully we can get back-to-back wins."

FA Confirms No Disciplinary Action Against Johnson

The FA will not be taking any action against Glen Johnson for his challenge on Joleon Lescott in the first leg of Wednesday night’s League Cup semi-final.

After all the controversy that surrounded Vincent Kompany’s red card against Manchester United for a two-footed tackle on Nani in the FA Cup third round last weekend, there have been calls for Johnson to face severe punishment.

But talkSPORT has been told there will be no follow-up disciplinary action.

A spokesman confirmed that referee Lee Mason saw the incident at the Etihad Stadium and decided not to book or send off Johnson.

That means the FA cannot get involved as they can only deal with 'off the ball incidents' that may have been missed by the officials.

Match Report: Manchester City 0 - 1 Liverpool

Manchester City slumped to their second home defeat in four days as Steven Gerrard's early penalty moved Liverpool to within 90 minutes of their first Wembley appearance since 1996.

Lacking key men, including skipper Vincent Kompany who sat forlornly in the stands as he began a four-match ban, and drained by the energy exerted at having to play for 78 minutes with 10 men against Manchester United at the weekend, City were a shadow of their usual selves.

It represented the first time they had lost back-to-back games at the Etihad Stadium since February 2008, before Sheikh Mansour began his billion pound quest to conquer the English game.

The only consolation came from knowing they could still reach a Carling Cup final against either Crystal Palace or Cardiff if they can reverse this result in the second leg at Anfield in a fortnight.

Little wonder Roberto Mancini was so keen to fight Kompany's suspension.

With Kolo Toure on African Nations Cup duty with the Ivory Coast, it forced the City boss to pitch Stefan Savic into the biggest game of his fledgling Blues career.

The Montenegrin was only 21 last week and has started just one Barclays Premier League game for City since joining from Partizan Belgrade in the summer.

It soon became clear he was in for a difficult evening.

That Andy Carroll was able to spin away from him and race onto Stewart Downing's through-ball said everything given the wretched time the Liverpool striker has had in his 12 months on Merseyside.

Returning keeper Joe Hart was equal to the shot, just as he was when Gerrard went for the far corner a couple of minutes later and Downing had an effort deflected towards the same area of his goal.

Savic had another trick up his sleeve though as Daniel Agger forced his way into the box from the corner. The youngster panicked, attempted to clear when he was nowhere near favourite to reach the ball and Agger bit the dust.

Referee Lee Mason awarded the spot-kick and Gerrard drove it past England team-mate Hart to put the visitors ahead.

That all this occurred inside the opening 11 minutes emphasized the difficulties City were having, and no one epitomized them more than Mario Balotelli.

An injury doubt beforehand, the combustible Italian reacted in anger when Charlie Adam bundled him over, then tapped him on the head as he ran away from the scene.

Balotelli belted the subsequent free-kick into the wall and then hobbled away for no discernable reason.

After a few more minutes of relative inactivity, during which he let a straightforward pass roll out for a throw-in and gave a free-kick as he tried to make amends, Mancini decided he had seen enough.

Balotelli headed straight for the tunnel, bringing an end to another bizarre chapter in his career.

It was not until the last moments of the half that City finally roused themselves, only for Samir Nasri to be denied by Pepe Reina and James Milner to fire Micah Richards' cut-back over.

On Sunday, City responded magnificently to a far worse half-time scoreline and almost secured a result that would stand alongside any in this stellar season.

But they needed the kind of lift Aleksandar Kolarov gave them against United with that magnificent free-kick.

This time around, they just encounter frustration as Reina stayed on his feet long enough to prevent Aguero getting a shot on target after the South American had spotted Martin Kelly about to play a blind backpass.

Unusually poor in a heavy defeat on the same ground eight days ago, Reina was also in the right place to deny Richards' close-range header after the stand-in City skipper had met Nasri's corner.

The disappointment was that instead of going for the jugular, against opponents so lacking in verve compared to their thrill-a-minute efforts earlier in the season, Liverpool grew increasingly more negative.

By the time Jamie Carragher replaced Craig Bellamy 11 minutes from time to take up a midfield holding role, the visitors had six orthodox defenders on the field.

Little wonder City failed to make a chance of note as they continued to run into a red brick wall in what time remained.