Milner sparkles as Sheikh discovers just what £1billion can buy in Premier League

MANCHESTER CITY flexed their enormous muscles at Eastlands last night to delight the man who made it all possible and deliver their biggest beating of Liverpool, 3-0, since 1937.

Sheikh Mansour could not have picked a better night to watch the team he has spent 1billion on in a league game for the first time.

With James Milner enjoying an outstanding debut, City were far too good for a Liverpool side who have a week to get themselves into some sort of shape given Javier Mascherano's absence seems like the next step in a big-money move to Barcelona.

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Milner set up Gareth Barry for City's opener before Carlos Tevez claimed to have got a touch to Micah Richards's goalbound header just after half-time.

A brilliant double save from Joe Hart snuffed out any chance of a revival before Tevez sent Pepe Reina the wrong way from the spot after Martin Skrtel had fouled Adam Johnson.

Former Leeds United youngster Milner was just glad to finally be on the pitch after being in the spotlight during his protracted move to Manchester City.

The England midfielder completed his transfer from Aston Villa last week, with Stephen Ireland going in the opposite direction.

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Milner denied he felt nerves ahead of the match, saying: "Not really – I was just glad to get out there and play.

"Luckily I was selected. It's always tough against Liverpool – but we got three goals and a clean sheet."

Of the game, Milner added: "They didn't cause us too many problems in the first half, then they came out in the second half.

"The club is moving forward, they've signed a lot of great players.

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"There is great competition which is healthy for any team so hopefully we can build on this."

Richards insisted he was going to claim the second goal although Tevez would dispute that.

"It's definitely mine, I am definitely claiming it," said Richards.

"He had a fantastic game and wanted to cap it off with a goal but he has got the penalty so I am having that."

Of Milner, he added: "You work hard, you get a chance."

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City manager Mancini refused to be drawn on whether his side are Premier League contenders.

"I don't know this," Mancini said. "I think it's important to improve game after game, we need to gel. We need the time to become a strong squad."

Of his side's performance, he added: "It was a fantastic night for Manchester City and I am very happy.

"It's very important, the mentality."

The Eastlands club started the game with Joe Hart in goal and Shay Given on the bench, and Mancini hopes Given will agree to stay and fight for his place.

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The Italian said: "I hope he can remain here because Shay is a good man and a good goalkeeper.

"I respect his decision."

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has hinted he will not select wantaway midfielder Mascherano again until the transfer window has closed but has not admitted defeat in his battle to keep the player.

The 26-year-old has been linked with Inter Milan and Barcelona. "It will get resolved as quickly as it can get resolved.

"I'd like him to stay, I don't want to sell him."

Of the fee, the former Fulham boss added: "It is up to the clubs to sort it out. I am hoping Javier Mascherano will still play for us because he is such a good player."