Tevez 52, 68 (pen)

Big-spending Manchester City sealed their first win of the season, in front of owner Sheikh Mansour, who was attending his first game at Eastlands.

Two goals by lone striker and captain Carlos Tevez gave the scoreline a look which was harsh on Liverpool, but it was a deserved win nonetheless.

Adam Johnson nearly gave City the lead on nine minutes when he flashed a left-foot shot past Reds keeper Pepe Reina.

But they were ahead three minutes later, debutant James Milner pulling the ball back for Gareth Barry to slide home left-footed from ten yards

They doubled their advantage seven minutes after half-time. Johnson’s corner from the right was headed powerfully goalwards by Micah Richards and Tevez was on-hand in front of Reina to get the decisive, if faint, touch with his right-foot.

Liverpool responded well and nearly pulled a goal back five minutes later. Steven Gerrard struck a post with a right-foot 20-yard effort, and City keeper Joe Hart made a fabulous double save from David Ngog and Fernando Torres.

But hopes of a comeback were dashed on 68 minutes by Martin Skrtel’s foul on Johnson in the penalty area, Tevez sending Reina the wrong way from the spot.