(Reuters) - Anyone questioning Liverpool's purchase of controversial Italian striker Mario Balotelli need only glance at Manchester City's score sheet on Monday to understand why firepower up front could be crucial to determining this season's Premier League.
The Merseysiders, runners-up to City last season in one of the tightest top-flight campaigns in recent memory, looked to be comfortably keeping the champions at bay when three goals in 25 minutes at Etihad Stadium shattered any illusions.
