Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, had their toughest outing yesterday evening against Liverpool at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s men defeated the Citizens thrice last season across all competition and the top of the table fight was pretty much dependent on the outcome of this enthralling encounter. Pep Guardiola, the Man City boss, looked to have a clear strategy against Klopp as he did not allow the Reds enough space to threaten upfront. They instead had a glorious opportunity to win it late but it was Riyad Mahrez who skied a spot-kick and the outing, therefore, ended in a futile scoreless draw defying all predictions.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their scoreless draw against Liverpool.
Ederson: 7
Was rarely tested all evening and only made a couple of routine stops. Impressed with his distribution traits barring one nervy occasion and did not have to do much to grab a clean sheet.
Kyle Walker: 8
Made his presence known down the right-hand side of City’s ‘back four’ as he did well to contain Sadio Mane and stopped Andrew Robertson from whipping in crosses. Did not offer much high up the pitch but performed his defensive duties with calmness and composure.
John Stones: 8
Dominated the game defensively as he was alert all the time and did well to nullify Roberto Firmino as the ‘number 9’. Showed great aerial as well as a physical presence to ensure a clean sheet from such a difficult away encounter.
Aymeric Laporte: 7.5
Laporte, too, showed great resilience at the back and Liverpool’s lack of creativity upfront made his job look easier compared to previous meetings.
Benjamin Mendy: 7
Struggled defensively at times and was not as clinical as he has been so far while making overlapping runs down the left flank. It was a decent outing for the Frenchman who returned to action after weeks of absence through injury and helped his side grab a crucial point on the road.
Fernandinho: 7.5
Was excellent in a deep-lying midfield role as he broke down many Liverpool attacks with his great sense of positioning. His passes in the final third, as well as shooting, could have been better though.
David Silva: 6.5
Did not offer much creativity in the middle of the park as he preferred to operate from a little deeper role. The Spaniard, however, did well to stop the hosts from controlling the midfield game.
Bernardo Silva: 7
Played much deeper than usual but looked impressive whenever he had the ball. Made some decent strides through the middle and played one-twos late in the game to open up space in Liverpool backline.
Riyad Mahrez: 5.5
Could have been a City hero as he stepped up to take a controversial spot-kick earned by Leroy Sane in closing minutes. The Algerian, however, had a terrible attempt as he skied his effort and denied City an Anfield win after years of disappointment.
Raheem Sterling: 6
Was jeered by the fans of his former employers all throughout and the Three Lions winger failed to create anything spectacular before being replaced by Leroy Sane.
Sergio Aguero: 5
Failed to score at Anfield yet again and did not have much impact barring one early occasion where he could have had a spot-kick. It was a duel with Dejan Lovren inside the box and the Argentine, however, did not look much interested in appealing for it. Was replaced by Gabriel Jesus midway in the second half.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus: 6
Did not have many touches and failed to offer much high up the pitch despite a few impressive runs.
Leroy Sane: 6
Was clever to earn a penalty which looked extremely soft. The effort, however, was wide off target by Riyad Mahrez as both the teams failed to find the net at Anfield.
