Paul Anderson had a couple of chances to make it 2-0 but saw his shots go narrowly wide of the City goal. Robbie Threlfall also came close to doubling the Reds' advantage but his well taken free kick was saved by the Man City keeper.
It was a different story in the second half as Liverpool were decidedly more sloppy in their play and were made to pay by City. It was 1-1 after 52 minutes when the City striker was left unmarked in the penalty area and was able to place a free header past Daniele Padelli in the Reds' goal.
Man City took the lead after 76 minutes after their winger skipped past Stephen Darby and sent a cross into the box which was buried by Laird for 2-1. City wapped the game up with their third in stoppage time.