Mignolet howler helps Manchester City beat Liverpool

An error from Simon Mignolet saw Manchester City beat Liverpool 2-1, keeping the Reds off the top of the Premier League as Arsenal finished the weekend leaders.A breathless first-half ended with City going 2-1 up, as Alvaro Negredo’s tame finish was helped into the net by Mignolet. It was a poor mistake from the Reds keeper, and one that proved dear.Philippe Coutinho had put Liverpool ahead after a lovely one-touch move, with Vincent Kompany equalising from a powerful header at a corner.Liverpool – who had seen an early Raheem Sterling goal incorrectly disallowed for offside – initially failed to respond in the second half, with Luis Suarez unable to get into the game.They did improve, with the impressive Jordan Henderson nearly assisting Glen Johnson and almost backheeling one in himself. On both occasions, the excellent Joe Hart was equal to the finishes.Hart was helpless when Sterling fired over from close range as the visitors went closer to an equaliser but, in the latter stages, City closed shop as a frustrated Suarez failed to win his desired penalty despite some theatrical tumbles over Joleon Lescott challenges.Suarez cut a dejected figure as he was booked for catching Hart, with City’s defeat putting them one point shy of Arsenal; Liverpool slip to fourth.(uk.eurosport.yahoo.com)ANN.Az