Blues bounce back in style to compound Pool woes

MANCHESTER CITY moved three points clear in what is becoming an increasingly intriguing tussle with their neighbours United at the top of the Premier League last night — a 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium over Liverpool continuing their near perfect home form.

The calendar year of 2011 saw City collect 52 of a possible 54 points from their 18 league games and first-half goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure were followed by a second-half penalty from James Milner to start 2012 in similar fashion after recent poor away results at West Brom and Sunderland.

The third goal came seconds after City had been reduced to 10 men following the 72nd minute dismissal of City midfielder Gareth Barry for a second bookable offence.