Manchester City 0 v 1 Liverpool

Liverpool gave a spirited fighting performance to beat City in the first leg of the Carling Cup.

Liverpool take a one nil lead to Anfield in this semi final which if successful will take Liverpool to the new Wembley Stadium for the first time.

Steven Gerrard led his team to an important win and exploited the  City defence which  sadly missed the  banned Vincent Kompany.

His stand in  Stefan Savic looked inexperienced and lost against a spirited Liverpool attack.

He gave away a penalty to Daniel Agger and Steven Gerrard blasted it past the outstanding Joe Hart.

Stewart Downing and Craig Bellamy caused havoc on the wings and even Andy Carroll started to show

promise with a fine header.

Liverpool lost the excellent Jay Spearing to a hamstring injury just when he was looking like a fine replacement for

Lucas Leiva.

In the second half it was none stop attack from City but they could not break through the Liverpool defence and Jamie

Carragher came on to strengthen the back line.

Liverpool hung on and go to Anfield in the poll position to make the final and add another trophy to their record number of League Cups.