Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "I think there are times in life when you get opportunities. Today we lost a great opportunity to win at Anfield.

"In terms of defending and keeping a clean sheet we went back to the basics.

"We need to score more goals and be more clinical. The most important thing is to win and at the moment we cannot win too many."

Manchester City will be keen to make the most of their continued pressure to get this game done and dusted as quickly as possible. With Roma waiting in the Champions League on Wednesday, how Manuel Pellegrini would love to withdraw some of his key men. Still work to do here though...

Former Manchester City midfielder Dennis Tueart
BBC Radio Manchester

"City have started the second half with the same intensity and great attitude, again attacking down both channels. Gael Clichy and James Milner have both been drilling in crosses hard and low whenever they have got in good positions. There isn't much height up top now for City, and that approach gives Everton's tall central defenders something different to think about."

Image source, Getty Images

Jose Pozo is so close to his first Premier League goal. The 18-year-old Spaniard, on for the injured Sergio Aguero, drills towards goal from 10 yards after James Milner's pull back but Tim Howard brilliantly keeps the ball out with his feet. Pozo could not do much more there.

Only against West Ham United (21) have Everton secured more Premier League wins than versus Man City (17).

I can't see Everton adding to that tally the way things are going this evening.

Image source, Getty Images

Game on at Etihad. A City win moves them to within three points of leaders Chelsea.

Teams are out at Etihad. Surely Everton have to be more of an attacking threat after the break?

606 phone-in
BBC Radio 5 live

Over on BBC Radio 5 live, 606 is in full swing and Kevin Kilbane and Darren Fletcher are taking your calls.

Tony, an Arsenal fan, says: "I can't ever see Arsene Wenger pushing Arsenal forward to win the league."

James, a Newcastle fan, says: "Ayoze Perez has to be a contender for signing of the season."

Lines are open and you can have your say. Call 0500 909 693, or use @606, external on Twitter.

Image source, @muniesa92

Stoke defender Marc Muniesa:, external Very important victory! Well done lads! Your support was amazing as always! Goaaaaarn Stoke!

Peter Crouch, Bojan and Jonathan Walters got the first-half goals as Stoke beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium earlier today.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot:, external Thanks for the messages. Gutted for my injury, thigh finally gave way but so pleased for Jak Alnwick. He was fantastic. Fans were immense.

Alnwick, 21, came on to replace the injured Elliot and make his debut in Newcastle's 2-1 home victory over Chelsea.

West Brom midfielder Craig Gardner:, external Was nice to get a result today against a hard working Hull team. Were unlucky not to win. Have a safe trip home fans.

Hull midfielder David Meyler:, external Tough game today, disappointing not to get all three points. I thought we deserved them. Another point, now focus on Chelsea!

Hull slipped into the bottom three of the Premier League as they were held to a goalless draw by West Brom at KC Stadium.

Robert Smith: Utterly embarrassing first half from Everton. Changes needed at half-time. Kevin Mirallas is the only shining light!

Matt Graham: Everton need more energy in their team. Need to get Ross Barkley and Aiden McGeady on.

Join the conversation on Twitter using #bbcfootball,, external send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external

Chris Bevan at Etihad
BBC Sport

"Manchester City might be a goal ahead but the conversation of the home fans filing past me on their way to get a half-time cup of tea is, unsurprisingly, all about Sergio Aguero, and how bad his injury might be.

"The last time City had to cope without their inspirational front-man for any length of time was in February this year, when his burst of 10 goals in eight straight games was ended by a hamstring injury ruled him out for the entire month, and they did not do too well without him - winning only two out of five games in that time."

Image source, Opta

In case you missed it, Sergio Aguero limped off just minutes into this clash holding his knee and has to be a doubt for Wednesday's Champions League trip to Roma. Eighteen-year-old striker Jose Pozo came on in his place for his third City appearance and, so far, has had little opportunity to impress. Just 10 touches for him so far as shown in touch map above.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes: "We put in an outstanding performance. The first half was as good as we've played since I came here. On other occasions we've played well, but not created the chances you need to put away. At 3-0 we were good value for it.

On the disallowed Bojan goal: "I thought the linesman had given it offside. He said the referee gave it and stated Diouf was in front of the keeper's eyeline."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacting to the first-half display: "Anger doesn't help the team to play well. The players know we missed the start of game. If you come here you have to be on the first ball and have to win the header. We missed the start of the game. We also missed players like Laurent Koscielny - he couldn't play today.

"For Stoke, it's their game of the year. They have more animosity against us than other teams. In the future, we have to be prepared for more commitment. We unlock them by winning challenges and showing it from the start."

A reminder that clubs throughout the country have today been taking part in #footballremembers, which marks 100 years since the 1914 Christmas Truce match.

This photo was tweeted by Bury FC at their draw with Luton Town earlier this afternoon:

Image source, Bury FC

Mark Schumann: A pretty poor first half from Everton. Lacking so much of the intent and quality of last year. Look like an old team.

Philip Catherwood: Fernando's foot was as high as Gareth Barry's head (see 25 mins), and Eliaqium Mangala has karate kicked someone (see 17 mins). How have we not seen two red cards?

12laus: Dedryck Boyata looked so much better at Sunderland than Eliaqium Mangala has ever.

Join the conversation on Twitter using #bbcfootball,, external send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook, external or Google+ page., external

Former Manchester City midfielder Dennis Tueart
BBC Radio Manchester

"City have been the most attacking team on the pitch, Everton have been very disappointing up front.

"Yaya Toure and Fernando have protected the City back four well, and I don't think goalkeeper Joe Hart has had to make a save. The first 25 minutes was scrappy, but since the City goal they have been by far the better team."

So, just one shot on target from either side and just two off target from Everton. Not exactly a thriller but it can only get better. Can't it?

Everton had hardly had a sniff as an attacking force, while City give the impression they have another gear to move into yet. The hosts deservedly go in at the break ahead. Everton will have complaints about the penalty decision but Phil Jagielka's challenge on James Milner was pretty clumsy.