Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

Mario Balotelli was sent off but Manchester City held on to extend their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool. It may prove to be a crucial point in the final analysis for Roberto Mancini's team following Manchester United's home draw with Newcastle United on Saturday, but they wre indebted to several superb saves by Joe Hart in the closing stages when they were forced onto the back foot. City edged the first half and deservedly took the lead just past the half-hour mark when, from David Silva's pinpoint corner, Vincent Kompany guided his header past Pepe Reina. Unfortunately for City their lead lasted less than two minutes as Joleon Lescott diverted Charlie Adam's ambitious long-range low drive past the wrong-footed Hart. Kenny Dalglish's side had the better chances to win the game after the interval but, after Hart had denied Stewart Downing, City substitute Balotelli was dismissed only 18 minutes after replacing the innocuous Samir Nasri. In the 77th minute he was booked for hauling Glen Johnson down and was shown a second yellow card six minutes later after a clumsy aerial challenge on Martin Skrtel. City were forced to defend valiantly in the closing stages and sub Andy Carroll almost won it for Liverpool in stoppage time, only to be denied by the inspirational Hart.