Steven Gerrard scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool beat Manchester City 1-0 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Eastlands here on Wednesday.

The Liverpool captain fired the visitors in front from the penalty spot in the 13th minute after City's Stefan Savic fouled Daniel Agger in the box.

Premier League leaders City were a shadow of the side that beat Liverpool 3-0 at Eastlands just over a week ago. The sides will contest the second leg at Anfield on January 25.

Whoever comes out on top will face the winners of the all Championship clash between Cardiff and Crystal Palace in the February 26 final at Wembley.

Palace will travel to Wales with a slender 1-0 lead on January 24 after Anthony Gardner scored the only goal of their first leg clash at Selhurst Park on Tuesday.