Many had billed this as an early season title-decider; obviously, that is a bit too dramatic but you have to say, Manchester City and Liverpool will be right in amongst the honours come the end of the season.

It was Manuel Pellegrini who came away from the Etihad smiling, though, but Brendan Rodgers will be chomping at the bit to get Mario Balotelli in his side.

What have we learnt from tonight’s 90 minutes?

Stevan Jovetic can play a key part for City this season

There were a few raised eyebrows when the starting line-ups were announced and Manchester City’s talismanic striker Sergio Aguero was on the substitutes bench. However, many felt it was Stevan Jovetic’s time to shine and grab his chance…and boy did he do that!

Joe Allen, Liverpool’s unsung hero

Today, Mario Balotelli became Liverpool’s ninth summer signing and, quite rightly, the maverick forward stole all the headlines. However, Liverpool fans will certainly take time out to acknowledge the performance of their midfielder Joe Allen who, despite the result, quietly impressed, tonight.

Liverpool STILL haven’t fixed weak defence

Despite shelling out for Dejan Lovren from Southampton and Alberto Moreno from Sevilla, Liverpool’s defence still remains a big issue for Brendan Rodgers.

The key opening goal could’ve been easily avoided but Liverpool’s failure to clear the ball resulted in Stevan Jovetic’s opening, and crucial, goal.