London: Manchester City slumped to their second home defeat this season after a 0-1 loss to Liverpool in the first leg of their semi-final tie in the Carling Cup.
Captain Gerrard, who has just returned from a long layoff with a groin injury, clinically converted a 13th minute penalty at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday to put seven-times winners Liverpool in the driving seat for the second leg at Anfield in a fortnight.
“We wanted to come here and get a clean sheet and a goal which we did but we know there is no way this tie is over,” Gerrard said. “We will have a very tough match in two weeks time so the job is half done.”
“It’s games like this I’ve missed,” England midfielder Gerrard, who has suffered a frustrating 12 months largely on the sidelines, added.
City put in a lacklustre performance following their 2-3 loss to neighbours Manchester United in the FA Cup. The loss of captain Vincent Kompany to a four match ban and star midfielder Yaya Toure who left for for the African Cup of Nations seems to have played a key role in the back-to-back defeats at the Etihad Stadium.
City lacked creativity in the midfield and hardly troubled Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina. The homeside were lucky not to have conceded more goals thanks to some brilliant saves made by England International Joe Hart.
Manager Roberto Mancini has more reasons to worry with striker Mario Balotelli hobbling of the pitch in the 37th minute. However, City still has a chance to make it to the finals of the Carling Cup provided they overcome the one goal deficit away at Anfield in the second leg.
“The first half we didn’t play well because after six months it can happen for the first time,” City manager Roberto Mancini told the BBC.
“It is clear that without three or four players it’s more difficult but in the end we didn’t deserve to lose the game. We played poorly in the first half but the result is not right. The right result was a draw.”
The winners of the semi-final will face either Crystal Palace or Cardiff City, both of the Championship (second division), in the Wembley final. Palace take a 1-0 lead to Wales for their second leg. (Agencies)