They are rare days indeed when the mood of a match, especially one at Anfield, is dictated by an event elsewhere. But so it was yesterday after the death of Gary Speed. The players stood to attention, around the centre circle and in the stands, for a minute's silence for the passing of goalkeeper Brad Jones's young son and Speed. The moment felt poignant and sincere.
These are the times, when a crowd does not have to be told the who and the why – when they instinctively know – that the silence is most profound. So it was yesterday when more than 45,000 fell silent out of respect for Jones's child, Luca, and in memory of Speed. For one minute, all the miscellany of League places and rivalry and resentment was respectfully put to one side.
The Independent
City faced a daunting occasion, yet Liverpool's record at home has lately offered encouragement. Though Kenny Dalglish's side are unbeaten at Anfield this season, that sequence was made up of four draws and only two wins. The statistics would have been reassuring for City were it not for the craving, among Liverpool fans and players alike, to make this a stressful day for the nouveau riche club.
Nonetheless, Mancini's men stood firm before the compelling ferocity of Anfield, even if Silva might have found the net towards the close instead of seeing the attempt blocked. It would not have been a deserved win for City. Mancini, his usual composed self following the game, was not taken by surprise in any regard.
It must have been on the tip of his tongue to ask whether a point was not a thoroughly tolerable return on the effort put into the contest. Few thought that Manchester United should be downcast when they also recorded a 1-1 result. Apart from that, Mancini would have taken note of the fatigue in his centre-forward, Agüero, among quite a few others.
The manager has been through all the rhythms and biorhythms that can be sensed in a race for a title. He ran up three Serie A titles at Internazionale. The true consequences of this match lie elsewhere. Liverpool's endeavours will have encouraged other challengers. Dalglish may not anticipate a prize of that sort this season but he has given heart to all the other clubs who face City.
The Guardian
The Kop sensed a famous win. Lucas set up Suárez, who could not get the better of Hart. City still enjoyed a frisson of hope. When Dzeko’s cross found Silva, the Spaniard took far too long to get his shot away, allowing Skrtel to clear.
As the game closed, Liverpool looked the likelier to score. Hart stood between the hosts and victory. When Johnson dinked in a cross, substitute Andy Carroll thought he had scored with a firm header but Hart saved. Again.
“Why always him?” Liverpool could have been forgiven for thinking.
Daily Telegraph