FA Community Shield has its own heritage despite being played in the middle of pre-season vibes. It’s the curtain-raiser of the new Premier League season, and the two opponents this afternoon were desperate to win the battle to set the platform for yet another trophy-laden campaign. Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola had a battle of words before the tie, and the latter showed sheer superiority from the very beginning to earn an early lead.
Raheem Sterling fired in against his former club to put Manchester City ahead. However, Liverpool reacted sharply after the break and finally grabbed the equaliser via Joel Matip after coming agonisingly close on several occasions. It was so near yet so far for the Reds when Kyle Walker’s acrobatic goal-line clearance denied Mohamed Salah a late winner. The game progressed through to the tie-breaker, and Claudio Bravo denied Georginio Wijnaldum which proved to be the decider. City won the bout by 1 (5) – 1 (4) to defend the Community shield.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their thrilling win against Liverpool.
Claudio Bravo: 9
Finally had a significant impact in City colours as the Chilean not only made some decisive second-half saves but also parried away Wijnaldum’s spot-kick to win the tie. Had his luck with him as well when the woodwork denied Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah. The latter’s effort was cleared off the line by Walker even though the Egyptian beat the custodian.
Kyle Walker: 8.5
The English fullback proved to the difference between these two sides when his majestic clearance stretched the game into the tie-breaker. Was combative all afternoon and never allowed Divock Origi to cause enough menace down the left.
John Stones: 7
Had a composed second half but was nervy at times after the break when the Reds were pushing for the equaliser.
Nicolas Otamendi: 6.5
Did well in the heart of the backline but was troubled by Salah mostly due to Zinchenko’s underperformance on the left-hand side of City’s backline.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6
Struggled throughout against Salah but was lucky to defeat Alisson from the spot despite not having his best of strikes during the tie-breaker.
Kevin De Bruyne: 8.5
The Belgian wizard had a stellar show as he kept on running relentlessly, won the ball back repeatedly and made forward strides to operate in advanced areas. Created many chances and dominated the game from the centre of the pitch. Was replaced by Phil Foden in the closing minutes of the game.
Rodri: 6.5
Made his official debut for the Citizens. Looked uncomfortable at times against the Reds’ press and mostly played his passes sideways. Improved his game with time and should do well once gets adjusted to the demand of Premier League football.
David Silva: 8
Was standout with his footwork, vision, creativity and build-up play. Contributed in Sterling’s opener and received massive applauds while making way for Ilkay Gundogan.
Bernardo Silva: 8
Once again exhibited his energy and work-rate. Did not allow Andrew Robertson to make enough overlapping runs and cross in from the wide.
Raheem Sterling: 7.5
Put the ball into the back of the net early in the game. But he missed out a few glorious opportunities too which could have sealed it early for the champions.
Leroy Sane: 6
Started the game brightly but was forced to leave the pitch early following a collision with Alexander-Arnold. But the free-kick he earned before leaving the pitch resulted in City’s opener. Gabriel Jesus replaced him on the left flank.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus: 6
Was not much involved in the action but converted the decisive spot-kick which secured City their first trophy of the brand new season.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7
Did well to cover Rodri in midfield since coming on and also found the net from the spot.
Phil Foden: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating, however, made the scoresheet during the tie-breaker.
