TheCable

A Stevan Jovetic double and a third to Sergio Aguero helped Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-1 in the first heavyweight clash of the new season on Monday.

With new signing Mario Balotelli watching from the stands, last season’s runners-up Liverpool looked lively at Etihad Stadium, but an error from debutant Alberto Moreno allowed Jovetic to smash the ball home after 41 minutes.

The Montenegro international grabbed his second 10 minutes after the restart, putting away Samir Nasri’s low cross, while Aguero scored 23 seconds after coming on as a substitute as Manuel Pellegrini’s side put down an early-season statement of intent.

Liverpool are looking to mount another creditable challenge to the title but despite nine new arrivals they are still looking to adjust to life without their iconic talisman Luis Suarez.

The Merseysiders failed to trouble Joe Hart despite having plenty of ball but they earned a consolation through a Pablo Zabaleta’s own goal when the result was already in the bag.

The pre-match interest surrounded the return of the controversial Balotelli to the Barclays Premier League after a season and a half at AC Milan, having quit City after falling out with then manager Roberto Mancini.

The Italian appeared at ease in his old ground, warmly greeting some of his old team mates before taking a seat in the stand.

Both sides looked dangerous on the break, Raheem Sterling particularly lively on Liverpool’s right and giving Gael Clichy plenty of defensive work. Spaniard Moreno, an off-season arrival from Sevilla, offered some decent balls from out wide but was culpable for City taking the lead.

Dejan Lovren, under pressure from David Silva, was unable to get any power on a header, but Moreno was caught off guard, allowing Jovetic to beat him to the ball and smash it past Simon Mignolet.

Daniel Sturridge, who scored the winner against Southampton last week, had a goal correctly ruled out for offside shortly after the restart, while Dzeko was unable to control the ball after being played in by Silva.

Jovetic found the back of the net yet again a fine link-up play between him and Nasri, with the Frenchman finding his team mate with a low ball through the box.

Aguero made it three after being on the pitch for 23 seconds, getting in behind the Liverpool defense and finishing off Jesus Navas’ pass.

Liverpool pulled one back when Zabaleta, under pressure from Rickie Lambert, put the ball in his own goal.

Hopes of a comeback were curtailed when Glen Johnson got injured and left the Reds to finish with 10 men.