Andy Carroll got off the mark as Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-0. ESPNSTAR.com rates the movers and the shakers of the game.

Liverpool

Pepe Reina - 7

Showed good handling all night long but was largely untested until the 85th minute when he smartly palmed away a stinging shot from Yaya Toure.

John Flanagan - 8

Raised a few eyebrows when his name appeared on Kenny Dalglish's team sheet but deserves extra points for not being overawed on his Liverpool debut. Had excellent composure whilst on the ball and showed what a tough nut he is with a couple of crunching tackles.

Jamie Carragher - 7

Went about his game quietly although his easy night was aided by City's toothlessness in attack.

Martin Skrtel - 7

Handled Edin Dzeko well all night. Largely untested as a result of City's lack of firepower.

Fabio Aurelio - 7.5

Ably supported the attack down the left and put in a number of delicious crosses.

Dirk Kuyt - 9.5

Pipped Andy Carroll as man-of-the-match with yet another tireless performance. Was involved in almost all of Liverpool's attacks and finished well for his team's second goal. In the absence of Steven Gerrard, Kuyt is proving to be Liverpool's most vital player.

Lucas - 8

The oft-maligned Brazilian is fast winning the Anfield crowd over. May still go astray with a few passes but he tidied up everything in midfield and put in a sharp tackle when necessary.

Jay Spearing - 8

Once again, the dimunitive midfielder went about his game quietly and effectively. Kept possession for his team well and always looked eager to break down any opposition attacks.

Raul Meireles - 8.5

Did not seem bothered to be slightly out of position on the left flank. Gave the City defence countless headaches with his skill and movement, and put in an absolutely delightful cross that gave Andy Carroll his second goal.

Andy Carroll (off 90') - 9

The giant frontman paid back some of his huge transfer fee with an outstanding performance. Unleashed a powerful left-footed shot to open the scoring before he towered over Aleksandar Kolarov to flick a brilliant header past Joe Hart in goal. Always looked a threat.

Luis Suarez - 7.5

Has played better but nonetheless a good game from the Uruguayan. His touch deserted him on a number of occasions but he linked well with Carroll to suggest a lethal partnership could be in the making.

Subs

David Ngog (on 90') - N/A

Probably only came on so that Carroll could be given a standing ovation. The final whistle blew seconds after he walked onto the pitch.

Manchester City

Joe Hart - 6.5

Probably could have stuck out a palm to block Andy Carroll's opening goal but in his defence, the shot was struck with immense venom. Was not helped all night with his team's inept defending.

Dedryck Boyata - 6.5

Tried his best to defend manfully against the opponents but was given a lesson by Raul Meireles.

Joleon Lescott - 6

Not one of his best games. Was often seen standing by himself as though he did not have an opponent to be marking.

Vincent Kompany - 7

One of City's better players. Was typically strong in the air but should have organised his defence better.

Aleksandar Kolarov - 7.5

His team's best player on the night. Defended well considering he was up against the livewire Dirk Kuyt, and was always eager to support in attack. Could do nothing about Liverpool's third goal when he found himself challenging in the air with Andy Carroll, who is at least a head taller than him.

James Milner (off 62') - 7

Was unhappy to be replaced just after the hour mark and rightfully so. Was the only City player attempting to initiate attacks. Constantly drifted to the centre to receive the ball.

Gareth Barry - 5.5

Was hardly sighted throughout the game, apart from blocking a shot and misplacing a few passes. Must be secretly kicking himself for rejecting Liverpool's advances in favour of City.

Yaya Toure - 6.5

Not the worst performer in a City shirt on the night. Tried his best to support his forwards, and came closest to scoring with a stinging effort that was saved well by Pepe Reina.

Adam Johnson - 5

For someone blessed with skill and trickery, Johnson really should have given the ageing legs of Fabio Aurelio more of a test. Instead, he was kept quiet all night. One wonders why Roberto Mancini did not switch him to the right side to have a go at the untested John Flanagan.

Carlos Tevez (off 18') - N/A

Had a premature end to his game when he pulled out of a challenge worse for fear. Left the field immediately after Andy Carroll opened the scoring in what was a double-blow for City.

Edin Dzeko - 5

Cut a lonely figure up front. Was not helped by the early departure of Tevez, whose replacement, Mario Balotelli, seemed to ignore the presence of Dzeko alongside him.

Subs

Mario Balotelli (on 18', off 85') - 5

Will have to do a lot more if he is to live up to his self-promoted hype. His only notable contribution to the game was an audacious lob which was handled by Pepe Reina almost too easily.

David Silva (on 62') - 7

Showed he should have started as he got more involved in the game after coming on than the rest of the City team up till that point. Found space with ease but did not have many options when trying to deliver the final ball.

Nigel De Jong (on 85') - N/A

Came on as a late substitute with no time to make an impact.