Liverpool and Manchester City players reunite to attend James Milner's charity ball

A little over 24 hours after Manchester City's 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool, both sets of players were reunited at James Milner's charity ball on Sunday night.

Milner, who left the Etihad to sign for Liverpool on a free transfer during the summer, organised the 'Nightmare before Christmas' gala event at EventCity in Manchester.

The James Milner Foundation supports a number of charities including Bloodwise, Help for Heroes and the NSPCC.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and his wife Kimberly Crew arrive for the James Milner
Milner organised the 'Nightmare before Christmas' gala event at EventCity in Manchester

Joe Hart and his wife Kimberly Crew arrive for the event organised by Liverpool's James Milner (right, pictured with his wife Amy)

City defender Gael Clichy arrives
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana was also in attendance

City defender Gael Clichy (left with wife Charlene) and Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana (right with wife Emily) were also in attendance 

City midfielder Fabian Delph
Liverpool defender Kolo Toure

City midfielder Fabian Delph (left with wife Natalie) and Liverpool defender Kolo Toure arrive at EventCity in Manchester 

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who was an unused substitute in the 4-1 victory, signs a fan's jersey  

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who was an unused substitute in the 4-1 victory, signs a fan's jersey  

Daniel Sturridge gives the thumbs up as he arrives at the event with girlfriend Jourdan 

Daniel Sturridge gives the thumbs up as he arrives at the event with girlfriend Jourdan 

WHAT'S ON STURRIDGE'S WRIST? 

Sturridge arrived at James Milner's charity ball wearing a lavish gold timepiece worth £69,800.

The Liverpool striker was sporting the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar by luxury watch maker Audemars Piguet.

Sturridge sported a timepiece by luxury watch maker Audemars Piguet worth almost £70,000 on Sunday

Sturridge sported a timepiece by luxury watch maker Audemars Piguet worth almost £70,000 on Sunday

Sky Sports reporter Bianca Westwood (left) and Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen arrive for the ball 

Sky Sports reporter Bianca Westwood (left) and Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen arrive for the ball 

A host of players from both squads were in attendance with City players Joe Hart, Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph making the trip.

Milner made a winning return to his old ground as Jurgen Klopp's outfit stormed to an emphatic victory at the Etihad. 

City defender Eliaquim Mangala opened the scoring for Liverpool by diverting the ball past Hart into his own net in the seventh minute.

Gareth Barry with wife Louise pictured at Milner's event
David Wheater attended the event with wife Laura

Gareth Barry (left with wife Louise) was also in attendance, as was David Wheater (right, with wife Laura)

Richard Wright and wife Kelly were present
Joleon Lescott and wife Debbie arrive at the event

Richard Wright (left with wife Kelly) was present as was Joleon Lescott (right, with wife Debbie)

Also in attendance were Jay Spearing and partner Jade
Micah Richards arrives at the event on Sunday night

Also in attendance were Jay Spearing (left, with partner Jade) and Micah Richards with his girlfriend

 

The Reds raced into a three-goal lead as Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino added to their side's lead. 

Sergio Aguero scored a consolation goal on his return from injury but City could not launch successful comeback with Martin Skrtel having the final say with an outstanding half-volley. 

Speaking to Sky Sports prior to Sunday night's event, Milner praised Klopp's contribution since he replaced Brendan Rodgers in October. 

Midfielder Jordan Henderson (centre) hailed a 'brilliant night' when he posted this picture on Instagram

Midfielder Jordan Henderson (centre) hailed a 'brilliant night' when he posted this picture on Instagram

Legendary Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira arrives for the 'Nightmare before Christmas' charity ball with his wife Cheryl 

Legendary Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira arrives for the 'Nightmare before Christmas' charity ball with his wife Cheryl 

'Things change quickly and it was disappointing to see the old manager go,' said the England midfielder. 

'Like I said, that's football. The new manager has come in and he's very successful. I played against him in the Champions League with City and they [Borussia Dortmund] were such a difficult team to play against.

'He's proved he is a top manager before. He's an exciting manager and everyone seems to like him and that's half the battle at times in England – and training is really good. 

'It is different to what I have experienced before. You want to work with the top players and the best managers and I have worked under a lot of good managers in my career and obviously he's another one. Hopefully I can learn as much as possible from him and keep improving, and as a team we can go far.' 

Milner's Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson was also in attendance on Sunday evening. 

Adam Lallana is all smiles after Liverpool open the scoring thanks to an own goal by Eliaquim Mangala

Adam Lallana is all smiles after Liverpool open the scoring thanks to an own goal by Eliaquim Mangala

Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho (right) doubled the scoreline at the Etihad during a memorable performance 

Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho (right) doubled the scoreline at the Etihad during a memorable performance 

Firmino turned from provider to goalscorer as he put his side 3-0 up after just 32 minutes of the clash 

Firmino turned from provider to goalscorer as he put his side 3-0 up after just 32 minutes of the clash 

City striker Sergio Aguero scored a consolation goal on his return from injury but he could not turn the tide 

City striker Sergio Aguero scored a consolation goal on his return from injury but he could not turn the tide 

 Martin Skrtel slides on his knees in celebration of his side's fourth goal at Manchester City's home ground

 Martin Skrtel slides on his knees in celebration of his side's fourth goal at Manchester City's home ground

The Liverpool midfielder, who is set to resume training this week after recovering from a broken foot, told Sky Sports: 'Obviously I have been out for a pretty long time. It's the longest I have been out for so it has been tough but hopefully I am not too far away now.

'It was a brilliant performance [against Manchester City]. I thought the lads were outstanding and hopefully that can really kick us on for the rest of the season. It sets an example of what we can achieve and how well we can play and just playing with consistency and freedom like we did on Saturday.

'You have seen the impact he [Klopp] has had since coming to Liverpool and the Premier League as well. He's obviously been fantastic and you can see that with the games we have watched. 

'Hopefully we can keep learning from him and keep working hard on the training ground and like I said keep putting in performances like we did on Saturday night.'

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