Below Par City Lose at Anfield

On a day when England manager Sven Goran Eriksson was an interested spectator, Joey Barton did absolutely nothing to enhance his propects of breaking into the full international side. His miserable experience ended when referee Dermot Gallagher dismissed him following a second ugly yellow card offence – in this instance a potentially career-threatening over the top challenge in the 52nd minute which caught Sami Hyypia just above the ankle and was utterly indefensible.

Ironically, City – who had been dismal in the first half – played better after the removal of their key midfielder and within ten minutes they had carved out two tremendous chances. Trevor Sinclair’s powerful volley brought an outstanding save from Reina and three minutes later the industrious Samaras came close when he latched onto Musampa’s astute through ball.

Unfortunately, at the other end Peter Crouch was busy demonstrating why he is an established international and only the crossbar and David James’ reflexes denied him a goal in a game Manchester City never really looked like winning.