Liverpool hold the advantage and have a first Wembley appearance since 1996 in their sights after a Carling Cup semi-final first-leg victory at Manchester City.
Steven Gerrard's early penalty, awarded when Stefan Savic fouled Daniel Agger, condemned City to a second successive home defeat after their FA Cup exit against Manchester United on Sunday.
It was the first time City have suffered such a fate since February 2008 and they now face a tough task to turn the tie around at Anfield in a fortnight.
There was controversy in the closing stages when Glen Johnson caught Joleon Lescott with a two-footed challenge which City manager Roberto Mancini claimed was worthy of a red card.
Gerrard's goal was fully deserved after Liverpool forced a succession of outstanding early saves from Manchester City keeper Joe Hart as Mancini's side struggled to hit their rhythm.
And when City did finally exert pressure and dominate possession after the break, Liverpool were in resilient mood at the back and rarely looked like conceding the lead their inspirational captain had given them.
City were without the two major influences of their 3-0 Premier League victory against Liverpool last week, with Kompany suspended and Yaya Toure with the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Manchester City 1-0 Liverpool "carling cup" goal goals highlights gerrard penalty "red card" savic lescott chelsea kenny dalglish "kenny dalglish" football soccer "Liverpool F.C." "Chelsea F.C." United Arsenal "Manchester United" "steve gerrard" "stevie gerrard" reds thefa competition
