Premier League: Samir Nasri says Manchester City made statement with win over Liverpool

Samir Nasri believes Manchester City have made a statement to the rest of the Premier League after beating Liverpool 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Stevan Jovetic opened the scoring four minutes before half-time on Monday night as he slammed the ball beyond Simon Mignolet from inside the area, after Nasri’s cross had caught Liverpool debutant Alberto Moreno flat-footed.

Jovetic then rounded off a fine flowing move to double City's lead on 55 minutes before Sergio Aguero stepped off the bench to put the game beyond Liverpool’s reach with just his second touch.

A late Pablo Zabaleta own-goal helped restore some pride for the visitors, but Nasri says it was vital to claim a convincing early victory over one of their title rivals.

He told Sky Sports: "I think every game that we play at home against a team of the big four for us is like six points."

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City also have home games against Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United in the first three months of the season, and they also travel to another title contender - Arsenal - on September 13.

"We have to make a statement in those kind of games," he added.

Speaking of team-mate Jovetic, who was named Sky Sports' man of the match, Nasri added: "Last year, unfortunately, he was injured a couple of times.

"We saw in pre-season that he was on fire and today he scored two important goals and I think it’s just the start of a big season for him."

Jovetic endured a frustrating first season at City as injury problems saw him restricted to just 11 Premier League appearances following his reported £22million summer switch from Fiorentina.

After an impressive pre-season, the 24-year-old has worked his way into Manuel Pellegrini's starting line-up for the opening two games of this campaign and is hoping to remain there.

Jovetic said: "There wasn’t so many beautiful moments up until now because I had so many problems last year, but I don’t want to think about that, that’s the past.

"Now I just want enjoy things with this team and these players to win more titles.

"It’s difficult (to stay in the team), I know that. But I’m not thinking when I go out onto the pitch. My job is just to do my best."

Asked if it felt sweet to beat last season's closest title challengers, Jovetic replied: "Yes, I think so because Liverpool is one of the teams going for winning the Premier League and we knew that.

"Today we played very well. In the end we won 3-1 and it was an important victory for us."