A 3-0 Champions League quarterfinal win at Anfield put Liverpool on the driving seat ahead of the return leg tie at Etihad against Manchester City. But the Citizens were not supposed to give up this early and vowed to fight back to overturn the deficit following last week’s misery. Liverpool, although injury-plagued, managed to line up a competitive squad and were supposed to defend with caution and hit back on the counter.
The game, as expected, offered an end-to-end encounter and City got a perfect start when Gabriel Jesus scored within 2 minutes. But a second-half comeback saw Liverpool secure a 2-1 lead and maintained a defensive composure to defend the same. They are not through to the semis of this prestigious event.
Below are the Liverpool players rated for their incredible 2-1 win against Manchester City.
Loris Karius: 7
Could have done little to deny Gabriel Jesus, did not have to make any decisive stops either. Way lucky when Bernardo Silva hit the woodwork and Leroy Sane’s goal was controversially disallowed before half-time.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7.5
Had another tough contest against Sane and David Silva down the right but the teenager stood firm and did well to defend deep and secure a result. Was replaced by Nathaniel Clyne late in the game.
Dejan Lovren: 8
A towering defensive display by the Croatian who has now delivered two massive performances against the Citizens. There was immense pressure but he was always alert and well-positioned.
Virgil van Dijk: 7
An early error resulted in an early City opener but the Dutchman came back strongly and maintained his composure for the rest of the match.
Andrew Robertson: 7.5
Impressive once again. Performed his defensive responsibilities and showed his attacking intent mostly in the second-half.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6.5
Played in an unusual ‘number 6’ role due to the unavailability of Emre Can and skipper Jordan Henderso. He had a poor first half but improved immensely after the break by winning back possession and showing decent ball control.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7.5
Worked tirelessly, threw his body to defend and also helped to build up counter attacking movements. The ex-Arsenal star continues to impress.
James Milner:7.5
The ex-City midfielder was jeered all night but never lost his cool and performed like a true leader when the team needed him the most. He started the press high up the pitch early in the second half which was completely missing in first 45 minutes and got the reward when Liverpool scored twice to seal the deal.
Mohamed Salah: 8.5
Was not fully fit yet featured in this crucial tie. Despite not having many touches, he was ruthless whenever he got the ball and kept his cool while making it 1-1. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Danny Ings.
Sadio Mane: 7.5
Had a nervy first-half but was excellent after the break as he played his part in Liverpool’s equalizer.
Roberto Firmino: 8
Firmino mostly spent his time in midfield to help the Reds defending but was aware of City’s defensive frailty and capitalized on Otamendi’s error to slot home the winning goal. Was replaced by Ragnar Klavan late in the game.
Substitute
Ragnar Klavan: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Nathaniel Clyne: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Danny Ings: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
