Half-Time Report: Liverpool in control against Manchester City

Liverpool have scored three first-half goals to take control of their clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this evening.

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The visitors made the perfect start to the match on seven minutes, when Philippe Coutinho released Roberto Firmino, before the Brazilian fired a low cross into the box which was touched into the net by City defender Eliaquim Mangala.

Liverpool continued to look the more threatening side after the first goal, and could have added a second through James Milner, but the former City midfielder missed the target from distance.

The Reds did manage to add a second goal on 23 minutes, as Firmino returned the favour from the first attack by finding Coutinho in the City box, who produced a cool finish past Joe Hart.

City looked increasingly shaky in defence as the half went on, and their vulnerability allowed Liverpool in for a third goal after the half-hour mark, when Firmino rounded off a neat move from Emre Can and Coutinho to extend the visitors' advantage.

With the third goal Jurgen Klopp's side looked to be in complete control of the match, as Hart denied Firmino in a one-on-one opportunity, before the former Hoffenheim forward fired wide moments later.

The hosts were given hope before the break when Sergio Aguero pulled a goal back, as the Argentina international picked up a loose Martin Skrtel pass before lashing an effort into the bottom corner.