Manchester City v Liverpool live blog recap: In-play updates, tips and betting advice with Match Companion

• Premier League table
• FT RESULT: Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool

2230: 👋 GOOD NIGHT!

🔴 "I really like Vincent Kompany, really like him, but how is that not a red card?" - The thoughts of Jurgen Klopp.

It's been a pleasure, what a game. Thanks for joining us and be sure to come back for our preview of the weekend's FA Cup action, the Sporting Life Accumulator and much more.

Our Match Companion blog will return on Saturday with live updates, in-play tips and plenty of the usual FA Cup excitement.

2226: ☝️ BEFORE I GO

One more thing. Plenty of content for you to look at on SportingLife.com.

We will have reaction from this game, plus the latest transfer news and an FA Cup outright preview. Just click the images below to have a read.

2222: 🎆 BETTING SUCCESS

A nice 5/2 winner from my betting preview for the clash.

Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to have one or more shots on target each looked a great price and it came in. Firmino had two on target, Mane one. Plus a correct score prediction. Happy days.

Were you on the Sporting Life Price Boost? That also landed - both teams to score in the second half was available just for our readers at 9/4 - a great price.

2219: 😊 Guardiola's reaction

"We were outstanding from the first minute, I'm happy with this victory to reduce the gap and go back into second position."

We'll be providing a full quotes piece on both managers' thoughts from the clash.

2213: 💻 TWITTER

We were not just blogging on the match, you know. We have plenty of activity on our social media channels, as you can see below.

Follow us @SportingLifeFC and let us know your thoughts on the game.

2209: 📊 STATS TIME

Thanks to our friends at Opta...

• Man City ended Liverpool’s unbeaten Premier League start to the season in the 21st match - only Arsenal in 2003-04 (38 games), Man Utd in 2010-11 (24) and Man City in 2017-18 (22) have had longer unbeaten starts to a Premier League season.
• This was only Man City’s second win in their last 12 matches against Liverpool in all competitions (D3 L7), winning at the Etihad in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.
• Since the start of the 2011-12 season, Sergio Aguero has scored 37 Premier League goals for Man City in meetings between ‘big six’ clubs – 16 more than any other player.
• Liverpool have lost 10 of their 25 matches in all competitions under Jurgen Klopp in the month of January (W8 D7), making up 29% of his total defeats as Reds boss (10 of 35).
• Sergio Aguero has scored in all seven of his Premier League appearances for Manchester City against Liverpool at the Etihad, scoring one goal in each game.
• Since the start of last season, Leroy Sane has been involved in 26 goals in 25 home Premier League appearances for Manchester City (9 goals, 17 assists).
• Roberto Firmino has scored his 10th goal of the season for Liverpool in all competitions, registering double figures for the fourth consecutive season (11 in 2015-16, 12 in 2016-17, 27 in 2017-18).
• Liverpool conceded more than once in a Premier League game for the first time since drawing 2-2 at West Bromwich Albion in April.
• Man City won a Premier League match against a team starting the day top of the table for the first time since winning 2-1 against Liverpool in December 2013.

2203: BRIEF REPORT

Leroy Sane grabbed the winner as champions Manchester City reignited the title race with a tense 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The German settled a frantic contest in the 72nd minute at the Etihad Stadium, moments after Roberto Firmino had cancelled out Sergio Aguero's first-half opener.

Liverpool, whose lead at the top was cut to four points, had themselves been unlucky not to take the lead when John Stones made a remarkable clearance off the line early on.

Goalline technology ruled in City's favour by mere millimetres on that occasion while the visitors might also argue Vincent Kompany could have been sent off.

Yet it was Pep Guardiola's side who held their nerve after losing three of their previous five games, denying the Reds a win that would have seen them race 10 points ahead.

2201: 📈 PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

1. Liverpool - 54 points
2. Man City - 50 points
3. Tottenham - 48 points

Click here to see the updated table in full

2158: 🏆 LIVERPOOL STILL FAVOURITES

Despite a setback, the Reds remain odds-on with Sky Bet for the 2018/19 Premier League title:

• Liverpool - 4/5
• Manchester City - 6/5
• Tottenham - 20/1

Click here to view the market in full

2153: ⌛️ FULL TIME

Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool

• Reds' unbeaten start to the Premier League season comes to an end.
• City close the gap on Liverpool to four points.
• Title race on.
• Superb performance from City, they worked their socks off.

Although I wanted to avoid the result in our betting preview...the score prediction was correct at least!

On-site report to follow.

2148: 🔵 DOUBLE CHANCE FOR CITY!

Bernardo Silva gets sight of goal and Alisson makes a great save before Raheem Sterling flashes an effort just wide. Oh how the former Reds winger would have loved that to go in.

Five minutes of added time have been given.

2146: 🤔 CITY SETTLING

Man City throwing on defenders here, with Kyle Walker and Nicolas Otamendi being introduced in recent minutes. What a great result this would be for them - and the neutrals, who would no doubt love to see a close title race. A minute and added time to go.

2142: 🔴 CHANCE FOR LIVERPOOL!

End to end here! Mo Salah is found in the box and he shoots on the turn, but Ederson saves with his parry getting the ball away from danger.

Pep Guardiola is furious on the touchline after a foul in the build up to that chance and Anthony Taylor goes to calm him down.

2140: 🔵 CHANCE FOR CITY!

Great opportunity for the hosts to put this game to bed.

After Liverpool fail with an attack, City counter through Sterling and it is three attackers on two.

Sterling slides it through perfectly to Aguero, who rounds Alisson and the Brazilian goalkeeper recovers well to make a great save.

2138: 🤔 10 TO GO!

Ten minutes plus stoppage time to go and Liverpool are currently camped in City's half.

Pep Guardiola's side are sitting deep and keeping them at bay. A draw is now available at 4/1.

2133: 📸 ACTION REPLAY

Liverpool's goal to make it 1-1 for a short while...

That celebration from Klopp!

Interesting to see Jurgen Klopp take off Sadio Mane. Xherdan Shaqiri on.

2131: ⚽️ GOAL INFO

A great response from the hosts, as Sane - who scored two in their 5-0 win over Liverpool last season - powers a left-foot effort past Alisson into the post, with the ricochet going into the back of the net.

Clever finish, just under 20 minutes to go.

2129: 🌩 GOAL FLASH

• Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool (72 minutes)

Leroy Sane!

2128: 🔢 IN-PLAY ODDS

A look at the prices now, with Kevin De Bruyne incoming for the hosts.

• Manchester City - 13/8
• Draw - 5/6
• Liverpool - 4/1

Click here to bet in-play

2123: ⚽️ GOAL INFO

Typical. Just as I was typing that Liverpool were growing into the game, Roberto Firmino had a shot blocked in the six-yard box by Vincent Kompany and he scored soon after.

A great switch from right to left by Alexander-Arnold to Andrew Robertson, whose cross made its way across to Firmino to score from close range - his fourth goal in two matches.

Game on!

2122: 🌩 GOAL FLASH

Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool (65 minutes)

Roberto Firmino!

2116: 🕵️‍♂️ OBSERVATION

A moment there that sums up this Man City performance.

Mo Salah gets the ball on the right and looks to break, but he is tackled by Leroy Sane who rushes back to perform his defensive duties. A hard-working display so far from the hosts.

Liverpool sub: Fabinho on, Milner off.

Next goal betting:

• Manchester City - 6/5
• No goal - 5/2
• Liverpool - 13/8

Click here for more in-play odds

2111: ❔ PENALTY SHOUT

Raheem Sterling breaks into the box on the right-hand side and turns inside his marker Andy Robertson, with the Scotland captain appearing to take him down, but it was soft and more appeals from the fans at the Etihad if anything, who have tonight been louder than usual.

2107: 📈 AS IT STANDS

If City win, then the table will read as follows...

1. Liverpool - 54 points
2. Manchester City - 50 points
3. Tottenham - 48 points

Click here to see the table in full - and it updates in play

2104: 🕒 SECOND HALF

Is back underway...

Can Liverpool come back, or will City extend their lead?

2103: 🤔 LUCKY VINCE?

Having seen replays at half-time - and many Reds fans venting their frustration on social media - Vincent Kompany was fortunate not to see red for his tackle on Mo Salah in the first half. He appeared to lose control and lunged at the Egyptian, but was only shown a yellow by referee Anthony Taylor.

2100: 📊 STAT TIME

Sergio Aguero is good.

2055: 🔍 BETTING ADVICE

Only one Liverpool player has tried his luck so far - Sadio Mane with two shots, one of them on target.

You can back the Reds forward to score next at 9/1...

Click here for more in-play Man City v Liverpool odds, Price Boosts and RequestABets

2051: 📸 ACTION SHOT

2047: ⏳ HALF TIME

• Manchester City 1-0 Liverpool

Sergio Aguero's goal just before the break gives the Citizens the lead. A frantic and exciting first half to watch and probably deserved for the hosts too.

2046: 📸 ACTION REPLAY

Alisson made a great save moments before to deny Leroy Sane before Aguero gave the hosts the lead - check it out below...

2041: ⚽️ GOAL INFO

Seven in seven home games against Liverpool for Sergio Aguero. Unbelievable record and he deserved it too, the Argentinian has chased everything.

The ball was crossed towards the front post, Aguero controlled it to create space from Lovren and he finished from an acute angle past Alisson. Great finish. Three minutes plus added time until the break.

2040: 🌩 GOAL FLASH

• Manchester City 1-0 Liverpool (41 minutes)

Sergio Aguero!

2038: 🔍 IN PLAY BETTING ADVICE

Interesting that a centre-back from each team is already on a yellow card - Vincent Kompany and Dejan Lovren for Man City and Liverpool respectively.

A red card in the game is currently available at 11/4. Not something these teams are known for but all it takes is a wrong foot from either of them.

2035: 📸 ACTION REPLAY

Told you it was close to crossing the line!

2033: 🔵 CHANCE FOR CITY!

David Silva - with a new jet-black hair look (I only just got used to him bald!) - receives the ball in the box, takes a touch and snatches at a shot but it's well blocked by the Liverpool defence.

The Spaniard has scored six in his last 12 appearances in all competitions and is surprisingly 13/8 to get just one effort on target.

Back it here

2026: 📸 ACTION SHOT

Here is a look at that chance...

2024: 😱 GOAL DECISION SYSTEM

To add to the previous chance - the goal decision system showed Stones' calamitous rebound was about an inch from crossing the line. The England defender reacted well and cleared just in time.

Liverpool settling into the game a little but City still have the edge.

Next team to score odds (via Sky Bet):

• Manchester City - 8/11
• No goal - 13/2
• Liverpool - 6/4

Click here to back the market in-play

2020: 🔴 CHANCE FOR LIVERPOOL!

Great football from Liverpool as they pass it out of the back, with quick one-touch play seeing them break.

Roberto Firmino flicked it to Mo Salah, who slid the ball through for Sadio Mane and he shot low past the on-rushing Ederson and into the post.

With the resulting rebound, John Stones slammed a rushed clearance into his own goalkeeper and the ball very nearly crossed the line! That would have been one of the all-time great own-goals, no doubt about it.

Great start but still goalless.

2016: 🏟️ LATEST FROM THE ETIHAD

A good start for City but the hosts have been lacking quality in the final third.

Liverpool ventured forward just now and held possession for the first time in the game but few clear-cut chances as of yet.

2008: 📸 ACTION SHOT

You heard 'em, Pep...

2005: 🤔 INTERESTING START

A fast first few minutes, City enjoying much of the possession, closing down Alisson quickly and even testing the Brazilian goalkeeper.

You can back the hosts to score first at 4/6 in-play.

2000: 🕒 KICK OFF

Here we go...the champions against the leaders. It is only January, but the outcome of this match could well be significant in the Premier League title race. Game on.

We'll provide you with regular updates, in-play odds, pictures and much more. Stick with us and enjoy!

1956: 🚨 SKY BET PRICE BOOST

Looking at odds just before kick-off?

Well, Raheem Sterling could be up for this one against his former club, while Roberto Firmino is full of confidence after bagging a hat-trick - and shooting five times in total - against Arsenal last time out.

You can back both players to score anytime at 11/1 here

1948: 🔎 LAST MINUTE TIPS

Click the image below to read our betting preview...

1946: 📸 ACTION SHOT

All eyes on the opposition for Jurgen Klopp - trying to strike fear into the Citizens, of course.

We all know he's too friendly for that!

1940: ⏱️ KICK-OFF APPROACHING

It's nearly here...20 minutes until kick-off and it is quite exciting. The reverse fixture was goalless earlier this season, but it is hard to see that happening again this time around.

Victory for Liverpool would see them go TEN points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and nine ahead of second-place Tottenham.

Jurgen Klopp's side have a good run of fixtures after that, too:

• 🗓️ Jan 7: Wolves (a) - FA CUP
• 🗓️ Jan 12: Brighton (a)
• 🗓️ Jan 19: Crystal Palace (h)
• 🗓️ Jan 30: Leicester (h)
• 🗓️ Feb 4: West Ham (a)
• 🗓️ Feb 9: AFC Bournemouth (h)

Don't forget to vote in our poll for the match result - just scroll down and have your say!

1930: 🚨 SPORTING LIFE PRICE BOOST

As well as those recommended bets, we also have a Price Boost from our friends at Sky Bet - exclusively for Sporting Life Readers.

Both teams to score in the second half - was 7/4, NOW 9/4

Click here to back it now - only available through this link

1924: 🔎 PRE-MATCH TIPS

Sporting Life's betting preview for this one was done by yours truly.

After success in Liverpool's clash with Arsenal last week, here's hoping for the same again...

• Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane 1+ shots on target each at 5/2
  With preference to avoid the results market, there is real value in the shots betting and this particular option caught the eye with odds above 2/1. The two Liverpool forwards were on target in the victory over Arsenal and given that chances are expected for both teams, a shot on target each for Firmino and Mane is not much to ask. Four of Firmino's five shots against Arsenal were on target, so confidence will be high after his hat-trick, while both of Mane's two attempts in the same game were on target.
• Sergio Aguero and Mohamed Salah 2+ shots on target each at 5/1
  With similar reasons as above, the price for these two looks excellent considering the two forwards should lead the line for their team. Aguero's record against Liverpool at the Etihad speaks for itself - scoring in all six of his home league appearances against the Merseysiders - while Salah has a tendency to shoot when he gets sight of goal and averages over three shots per game, so at these odds it is worth a small play.

1919: 📊 STAT TIME

A look at the numbers, thanks to our friends at Opta...

• Manchester City have won just one of their last 11 meetings with Liverpool in all competitions (D3 L7), although that was a 5-0 thrashing at the Etihad in the Premier League last season.
• Liverpool have only won one of their last nine league visits to the Etihad Stadium (D3 L5), winning 4-1 in Jurgen Klopp’s first away game against the Citizens since taking over the Reds. They have conceded 20 goals in those nine away games (2.2 per game).
• Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has lost more matches against Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp (seven) than he has against anyone else in his managerial career, although only two of those defeats have come in home games (P6 W2 D2 L2).
• February 2016 was the last time Manchester City lost consecutive home Premier League games, losing to Leicester and Spurs; manager Pep Guardiola has never lost consecutive home league games as a manager.
• Man City have won their first Premier League match of the calendar year in 11 of the last 12 years – losing the other in 2012 away at Sunderland.
• Liverpool have won only five of their last 17 matches in all competitions in January (D5 L7), with the Reds losing nine of Jurgen Klopp’s 24 matches during the month (W8 D7).
• At the end of the year, Liverpool topped the Premier League table by seven points – no team has ever failed to win the English top-flight title with such a lead coming into the new year before

1912: 🗳️ HAVE YOUR SAY

1907: 📰 TEAM NEWS

Two changes each - Leroy Sane and John Stones in for the hosts, Henderson and Milner come into the Reds' XI.

Laporte the City left-back by the looks of it...

1900: GOOD EVENING!

Hello and welcome to our midweek live blog special for tonight's big match.

I am still not fully sure what day it actually is, but having Manchester City v Liverpool to look forward to makes it a whole lot easier.

I have been listening in to various people discussing the clash around the office and the mixture of opinions just shows how hard it is to call.

Here are the latest odds according to Sky Bet...

• Manchester City - 10/11
• Draw - 13/5
• Liverpool - 11/4

Click here to see the market in full, along with the latest Price Boosts and RequestABets

Odds correct at time of publication on 03/01/2019

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