Manchester City kickstarted their title trail on a positive note, edging Liverpool out on tiebreakers in the FA Community Shield.
The Sky Blues were dominant during the first phase of the game before it turned into a cat and mouse chase throughout the rest of the first half. Liverpool looked awful during defensive stages and deservedly conceded an early goal from Raheem Sterling. The English international turned in from close range to hand his side the advantage in the 12th minute.
However, the European champions roared back in the second half. They showed tremendous determination and put immense pressure on the Man City defence. They ultimately found their breakthrough in the 77th minute when Virgil van Dijk’s nicely weighed cross found Joel Matip. The substitute made no mistake in scoring the equaliser as the game went into tiebreakers.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s missed penalty turned out to be the only difference between the two teams as Liverpool lost the game by the slightest of margins. Here is how the Reds performed in their disappointing defeat to the Premier League champions this evening.
Alisson Becker 6.5
Certainly wasn’t as busy as Claudio Bravo on the other end of the pitch. But, the Brazilian did well to save the efforts of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus. Was unlucky with the opener, though.
Trent Alexander Arnold 5
Endured a difficult outing as he struggled to keep tabs on the likes of Sterling and Jesus. Left a lot of space in behind the defence on a few occasions. Also failed to provide the necessary support going forward. He was deservedly subbed off in the second half.
Joe Gomez 5.5
A rusty performance from the youngster, who looked nervous early on in the game. Did make a couple of good tackles, though. His pace also proved to be useful, especially with the likes Sterling and Jesus making runs in behind the defence.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Didn’t have a great start to the game. But, the Dutchman stamped his authority in the second half, motivating his team from the back and providing the assist for the equaliser. He also made a tremendous recovery to deny Sterling from squaring the ball off to Kyle Walker late in the game.
Andrew Robertson 5.5
Much like Alexander Arnold, it wasn’t the best of games for Andrew Robertson. The Scot failed to showcase his tenacity and went forward with the intent on very few occasions. Did perform better in the second half, though.
Georginio Wijnaldum 5
It was indeed an awful evening for Wijnaldum. Aside from being the only to have missed the target in the shootout, the Dutchman wasn’t much involved in the game. He was dispossessed twice and was often isolated by the opposing midfielders.
Fabinho 6
Struggled to anchor the midfield in the first half, especially with Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne putting a lot of pressure. But, the Brazilian was instrumental in Liverpool’s improved performance after the restart. He was, however, subbed off during the final phase of the game.
Jordan Henderson 5
A miserable performance from Henderson, whose passing was lacklustre while the England international also failed to provide the security in midfield. His tenacity and fighting spirit did play a vital role in the second half, however.
Mohamed Salah 9
By far the most active player of the night, Salah terrorised the Manchester City defence with his tricks on the far side. He took full advantage of the lack of experience of Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left flank but should have done better in converting his opportunities. He made a whopping ten attempts on goal – considerably more than any other player on the pitch.
Roberto Firmino 7.5
Tracked back and picked up balls from midfield as usual. Also, beat a couple of players in their tracks thanks to his quick feet. The Brazilian’s willingness to keep fighting for his team inspired the Reds into making a solid comeback in the second half. Bravo saved his only effort of the game.
Divock Origi 6
Tried to create a spark on the left flank but failed to produce anything substantial. His lack of combination with Firmino and Salah was rather evident. And the Reds clearly missed the dynamic presence of Sadio Mane in this game.
Substitutes
Joel Matip 7.5
Proved that he is the best available defensive partner to van Dijk by putting in a commanding display after being subbed in the second half. The German international notably scored the equaliser, with the chance being created by none other than van Dijk himself.
Naby Keita 6.5
Had a glorious opportunity to win the game for Liverpool at the end. But, his shot was rather straight at Bravo, who did well to deny the Guinean international.
Xherdan Shaqiri N/A
Another substitute who received an excellent opportunity to score the winner. However, the Swiss’ effort could only tremble Bravo’s near-post.
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain N/A
Made his much-anticipated return from injury, replacing Origi in the 79th minute.
Adam Lallana N/A
Came on for Firmino in the 79th minute. Did well to score the penalty in the tiebreaker.
