Liverpool suffered a 3-1 defeat on a day Manchester City’s old hand, Mario Balotelli joined the Merseyside side.
Two goals from Stevan Jovetic and another from Sergio Agüero ensured that City, last years league winner continue their fine run of the season.
Liverpool had the best of the first half but failed to make their dominance count Jovetic punished them shortly before the break by stealing a march on both Dejan Lovren and debutant Alberto Moreno to score.
Jovetic then combined with Samir Nasri on 55 minutes to give Manuel Pellegrini’s side breathing room before Sergio Aguero struck immediately after coming on as a substitute.
The introduction of debutant Lazar Markovic breathed some life back into Liverpool but a ruthless City outfit extended their lead even further in the 69th minute. Jesus Navas’s pass released Aguero in behind the Liverpool defence and the Argentine confidently fired low into the back of the net, just 23 seconds after replacing Dzeko.
Liverpool, who have now only won once in their last nine visits to City, grabbed a consolation with seven minutes to play as Zabaleta nudged the ball into his own goal. Sturridge showed good strength on the right and delivered a perfect cross to Lambert, whose header was saved by Hart before the loose ball struck the defender on the knee and dropped over the line.