Stevie secures first-leg lead

Steven Gerrard capped a strong opening to the game from the Reds by scoring a 13^th minute penalty after Daniel Agger had been brought down inside the box.

It proved to be the only goal of the evening, and though the visitors had to withstand heavy pressure from City in the second half, they were able to hold on to their advantage.

And the result means Liverpool will head into the second leg at Anfield in a fortnight's time holding what could ultimately be a crucial lead as they aim to reach next month's final.

Kenny Dalglish made six changes to the side he selected for Friday night's 5-1 FA Cup win over Oldham Athletic at Anfield - but the names of Gerrard and Craig Bellamy remained on the manager's teamsheet.

There were returns for Agger, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll as Liverpool looked to bolster their prospects of a first ever appearance at the new Wembley Stadium.

And though the Reds had been on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in a Barclays Premier League meeting just eight days ago, the near-6,000 travelling Kopites made the short journey down the East Lancs road with plenty of hope in their hearts.

Indeed, the decibel levels in the away end were almost increased substantially inside five minutes when Downing's clever pass allowed Carroll a clear run and shot on Joe Hart's goal, but the City stopper was able to get his boot in the way.

Nonetheless, it was a sign of what was to follow in the opening exchanges for the custodian.

After diving full stretch to turn a Gerrard curler around the base of the post, Hart displayed top-class reflexes to get a hand to Downing's deflected volley from the resulting corner.

However, he was finally beaten on 13 minutes as Liverpool took the lead their start to the contest fully merited.

Agger collected a corner inside a crowded area and attempted to juggle his way beyond several defenders, but was sent crashing to the turf courtesy of a high foot from Stefan Savic.

Referee Lee Mason showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Gerrard stepped up to coolly drill his kick into the bottom corner and put the visitors ahead.

Interestingly, this was the skipper's first start in the competition since October 2007 against Cardiff City, when he was again on target.

It wasn't all positive for Dalglish and co, though, as Liverpool were forced into a substitution on 23 minutes when Jay Spearing limped off to be replaced by Charlie Adam.

Still, the Reds remained firmly in control and with Pepe Reina still yet to be tested, Carroll had Hart scrambling across his goal line with a glancing header from Martin Kelly's cross that bounced centimetres wide of the target.

Reina was finally called into action two minutes before the break when substitute Samir Nasri - on for the injured Mario Balotelli - tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his effort was met by the gloves of the Spain goalkeeper.

City went close again seconds later when Micah Richards's surge into the box allowed him to cut the ball back for James Milner, who curled over when well positioned and make sure Liverpool maintained their advantage heading into the interval.

The hosts made a more assertive start to the second half and Skrtel had to be on his toes to prevent Sergio Aguero getting a clear effort on goal with a well-timed tackle.

But Liverpool were afforded a real let off on 56 minutes when Kelly's attempted back pass only succeeded in finding Aguero. The Argentina forward tried to round Reina, but the Reds 'keeper did enough to ensure the eventual shot didn't find the back of the net.

City were now in the ascendancy, though, and Reina was needed to produce an instinctive close-range stop to block Richards's powerful header just before the hour.

It prompted a change in formation from Dalglish, who introduced Jose Enrique for Downing and switched to five at the back.

The home side continued to press and after a brilliant challenge from Johnson again denied Aguero, Reina did well to block Gareth Barry's attempt to nudge home a dangerous cross at the near post.

The final stages were tense for the travelling Kop, but on the field Liverpool remained resolute and were able to see out on the remainder of the contest to ensure they'll take a one-goal advantage into the second leg at Anfield.

Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Daniel Agger

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