Fernando Torres returned as a substitute for Liverpool’s visit to Eastlands after successfully recovering from knee surgery. The Spaniard started the game on the bench, eventually coming on for Babel after 75 minutes of the goalless draw between fourth and fifth.

The visitors took the game to Manchester City straight from the off as both Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez came inches away from connecting with a Steve Gerrard cross.

The home side’s reply came from Pablo Zabaleta, but his shot from just outside the box deflected off Adebayor, losing all is sting.

Liverpool were enjoying a decent spell of pressure, and whilst the visitors were putting together some nice moves, City were struggling to find their feet.

Despite dominating possession, the Anfield club failed to find a way through a Manchester City side unbeaten at home all season. Chances were at a premium for both sides as the battle for fourth lacked goal-mouth action.

With 40 minutes gone Fernando Torres left the Liverpool dug-out to warm-up on the sidelines. The forward was met by a warm applause from the Red travelling fans.

Liverpool had edged the opening 45 minutes and Martin Skrtel came close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time whistle. The defender found space in the box but his header from a Steven Gerrard corner failed to hit the target.

The game opened-up after half-time and Reina was forced into a fine fingertip save to deny Adebayor. Steve Gerrard fired straight at Given in the City goal as both sides stepped-up a gear in their quest for all three points.

With 74 minutes on the clock Fernando Torres started getting ready to come on, and sixty seconds later the striker made his comeback, replacing teammate Babel.

The Spaniard looked lively in the final 15 minutes, but he wasn’t given any real opportunity to shine as the seconds ticked away and Liverpool defending slightly deeper.

A last-gasp challenge from Skrtel denied Adebayor as the Togo forward was about to race through on goal. That was about the last chance of the game as game ended in stalemate.


- Match Stats: Manchester City 0-0 Liverpool

Manchester City: Given, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Bridge, Wright-Phillips (Bellamy, 68), Ireland (Ibrahim, 75), De Jong, Barry, Adam Johnson, Adebayor

Booked: Ireland

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Maxi (Benayoun, 64), Gerrard, Babel (Torres, 75), Kuyt (Aquilani, 87)

Booked: Mascherano, Kuyt, Babel, Benayoun, Torres