Jovetic 41′, 55′, Agüero 69′ Zabaleta 83' (o.g.)
(Credit - MCFC Official Facebook)
Jojo shows his mojo as slick City spank Liverpool
Twelve months ago, Stevan Jovetić watched his new Manchester City teammates fall to a 3-2 defeat in Cardiff from the sidelines. Accompanied by the crushing weight of persistent injury, the £22m Montenegrin signed from Fiorentina became worryingly familiar with the Etihad injury table, but a ghost to his fans.
A year on, and last year's Premier League runners up crumbled under the crushing weight of Stevan Jovetić's appetite for goals. Revived and free from the harassment of torn hamstrings, the 24-year-old was at the double to propel Manchester City past Liverpool on Monday night. It's funny how things change.
The Premier League champions welcomed a packed Etihad Stadium back to the Premier League with a convincing 3-1 victory over the side that pushed them so close for crown last term. City's enviable strength-in-depth conquered a Liverpool side still mourning the loss of Luis Suárez, and although the visitors perhaps enjoyed the better of the first half, they lacked the firepower the new Barcelona man offered them last season.
(Luis Suárez scored 31 goals for Brendan Rodgers' side last term)
But as Manchester City fans know too well, Liverpool's new £16m man certainly possesses the ability to create 'fire'. Former City striker Mario Balotelli watched on from the stands after completing his move from AC Milan to Anfield on Monday afternoon. But it was a bittersweet reunion for the Italian as he watched his new club fall to defeat.
The pace of Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling threatened to unlock a rigid Manchester City defence in the opening 40 minutes, but a mistake from new signing Alberto Moreno obstructed his side's momentum just minutes before half-time. The 22-year-old hesitated to clear inside the box, and Stevan Jovetić pounced to smash the blues into the lead.
(Jovetić celebrates City's opener - credit MCFC Official Facebook)
The young Spaniard, given a 'baptism of fire' debut against Manuel Pellegrini's men, was issued an early lesson on the pace of the Premier League by a man in ferocious form, and the home side took complete control of the second half aided by a show of clockwork interchanging between Yaya Touré, David Silva, Samir Nasri and new-man Fernando.
And it took City just ten minutes to double their lead. An enchanting move, instigated by a delicate flick from Stevan Jovetić, was finished off by the Montenegrin who sent a 45,500 crowd into raptures. The Etihad faithful were treated to only a handful of exciting glimpses of the 24-year-old last season, but the forward's tantalising talents could become a regular attraction at Eastlands this term.
(The Montenegrin forward doubles his tally - credit MCFC Official Facebook)
The Argentine's predatory instincts in front of goal supplied home fans with an encouraging reminder of the ammunition Manuel Pellegrini has available to him this season, and the Etihad's guests with an intimidating view of what they're up against this campaign.
(Sergio Agüero scores just 23 seconds into his 22-minute cameo)
Liverpool's efforts were rewarded with a late consolation goal when Pablo Zabaleta turned into his own net following a goal-mouth scramble with Rickie Lambert. Joe Hart showed admirable reactions to deny Lambert's initial effort, but could do nothing to stop his Argentinian team-mate marking his first appearance of the season with a blemish.
(Pablo Zabaleta puts the ball into his own net - credit Getty Images/BBC Sport)
With the mojo of Jojo and the carnivorousness of Sergio Agüero in their forward line, Manchester City have an attacking duo capable of steering them to yet another Premier League title. The blues strolled to a comfortable victory over last year's runners-up without ever stepping out of first gear - it could be frightening when they finally do.
Match Stats
Possession: Manchester City 53% - 47% Liverpool
Shots: Manchester City 9 - 11 Liverpool
Shots on target: Manchester City 4 - 3 Liverpool
Corners: Manchester City 6 - 7 Liverpool
Fouls: Manchester City 13 - 7 Liverpool
Shots: Manchester City 9 - 11 Liverpool
Shots on target: Manchester City 4 - 3 Liverpool
Corners: Manchester City 6 - 7 Liverpool
Fouls: Manchester City 13 - 7 Liverpool
