Manchester City made it two wins from two at the start of the new Premier League season courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium this evening.
Stevan Jovetic broke the deadlock for the hosts late in the first half before adding a second 10 minutes after the restart to put City in control.
Sergio Aguero came off the bench and was on the scoresheet just 23 seconds later to all but clinch the points, while Rickie Lambert netted a late consolation for the visitors.
Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at whether the champions were worthy of the victory over last season's runners-up.
Match statistics
Man City
Shots: 9
On target: 4
Possession: 53%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 13
Liverpool
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 47%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 7
Was the result fair?
Yes, although the scoreline itself is a bit harsh on Liverpool. It was an even encounter for much of the match, with Liverpool just about edging the first half despite going into the break behind.
City certainly had the better of the second half, however, and once they doubled their advantage there didn't seem to be any way back for Liverpool. The Reds saw enough of the ball to create problems and had more efforts on goal than their hosts, but they did not use their time in the ascendancy effectively enough.
The same cannot be said for City, who were ruthless in attack. Their clinical nature was the difference this evening as, for long periods, they too struggled to break down an organised Liverpool defence. There weren't a great deal of clear chances in the match, but City took theirs when they did arise while Liverpool didn't.
Man City's performance
Fairly similar to their performance against Newcastle United last weekend. City weren't at their best by any means, but they did enough to claim all three points and were deserving of the victory in the end.
Manuel Pellegrini may be slightly worried about a bit of rustiness in his side at the start of this season, but six points from two tough games without being at their best is a formidable way to kick off the campaign. He also has the added bonus of knowing that Aguero - who has now got two in two from the bench - is still not fully fit.
It wasn't quite the free-flowing City side we were used to seeing at times last season, and perhaps Liverpool at their best may have caused more problems, but they did enough to get the victory. Pellegrini will be pleased with how his side defended and will be confident that there is plenty more to come from the champions.
Liverpool's performance
For the majority of the first half, Liverpool were the better team. They looked sharper on the ball than City and kept their shape very well off it. Their defence, which was a telling weakness last season, looked a lot more solid and organised this time around as they kept the hosts at bay.
However, the main difference between the two sides was that City made the most of the time that they were on top, while Liverpool didn't. There were flashes of danger in the final third, but they didn't fashion a really clear chance to score until Lambert bundled home Daniel Sturridge's cross in the 83rd minute.
The Etihad probably ranks alongside Stamford Bridge as the hardest place to visit in the Premier League, so Brendan Rodgers will know that easier tests are to come. However, if they are to push for the title again this season then they will need to improve on this display.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Stevan Jovetic: Stevan Jovetic didn't get many chances to show what he can do last season but, in the absence of Aguero and Alvaro Negredo, he took full advantage of his opportunity today. He was sharp in and around the box and always looking for a chance to pounce.
He got that for his opening goal when Alberto Moreno took too long over his clearance, nipping in before smashing a low strike between the legs of the keeper. He also played a big role in the build-up for his second as well, producing a lovely flick to release Samir Nasri before getting on the end of the reverse pass to finish.
Biggest gaffe
This one has to go to Moreno, who was at fault for the opening goal of the game. Dejan Lovren's header inside the box fell to the debutant, who waited for the ball to come to him as he got ready to clear the danger. However, that allowed Jovetic to nick it off the Spaniard's toes and beat Simon Mignolet from close range. It was a harsh lesson for the young left-back on his first appearance in English football.
Referee performance
Michael Oliver had a fairly non-descript game today. He only handed out two yellow cards, both for similar challenges, and didn't have any major decisions to make. A comfortable evening's work for the ref.
What next?
Man City: Next up for the champions is another home tie as they host Stoke City at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool: Liverpool, meanwhile, face another tough away trip as they take on Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane next Sunday.
Barney Corkhill
