Though the Blues were the better side for much of the game, a late equalizer for the Reds coupled with some shocking penalties in the ensuing shoot-out mean City are unlikely to make the final of the International Champions Cup in Miami.
What a pity, because the Blues were excellent for long periods and there were several fine individual performances in an entertaining game watched by almost 50,000 fans at the Yankee Stadium.
Though Liverpool began brightly, it was City who gradually took control with Jesus Navas and Stevan Jovetic catching the eye early on but despite creating numerous chances, Liverpool had the best chance of the opening period when Rickie Lambert’s header was saved at point-blank range by Willy Caballero and the teams went in level at the break.
Finally, the Blues broke the deadlock on 53 minutes when Jovetic deftly flicked home Navas’ cross, but the joy was short-lived as Jordan Henderson powered home an equalizer five minutes later
...Match report...
Second-half sub Joe Hart was suddenly the busier keeper as Raheem Sterling began to cause problems on the left, but the Blues responded well with Bruno Zuculini striking the bar before Jovetic scored his second of the night on 67 minutes.
The Montenegro striker continuing his red-hot form with a clever rolled shot past Brad Jones and as the minutes ticked by, it looked as though Manuel Pellegrini’s men would secure a victory.
But the warning signs were there when Hart was forced to make two stunning saves before the inevitable equalizer came five minutes from time through Sterling who shot high past Hart to send the majority of the crowd wild.
That meant penalties and with Aleks Kolarov, Navas and Yaya Toure all guilty of poor misses, the game was as good as over when Kelechi Iheanacho showed the seniors how it was done but Liverpool converted their fourth to win the game 3-1.
It’s on to Minneapolis next for City who must hope AC Milan find some form against the Reds while the Blues have to beat Olympiacos.
