Liverpool have bounced back well since suffering a shocking 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa, but they had the toughest test this afternoon against Manchester City at the Etihad without Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the backline. The Citizens, too, have responded well after a slow start. However, they will find it two points dropped after this evening’s 1-1 draw. Kevin De Bruyne missed a rare spotkick which could have earned the hosts a decisive lead late in the first half.
Below are the Manchester City players rated from their 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
Ederson: 7
The wet surface was troublesome at times, particularly while gripping the ball. But the Brazilian adjusted well and made some routine saves after conceding early from Mohamed Salah’s penalty.
Kyle Walker: 5.5
Was not at his best as he conceded a penalty early on by bringing Sadio Mane down inside the box. Was sloppy with his tackles, and also looked untidy while making clearances. Offered little going forward as the hosts took a cautious approach after the break.
Ruben Dias: 7
Did well against the Reds’ lethal attacking trio. His tackles were not spot on all the time, but the Portuguese managed to keep hold of both Salah and Mane with calmness and composure. Has been the most accurate passer with 94% accuracy [fotmob] during the game.
Aymeric Laporte: 7
Had some nervy occasions against Salah but managed to calm things down in the second half. Was strong aerially and made a few no-nonsense clearances too unlike his usual ball-playing trait.
Joao Cancelo: 7.5
Did extremely well late in the game to deny Salah from having a scoring opportunity from inside the box. Did not offer much going forward but was disciplined at the back which is essential in such close outings.
Rodrigo: 6.5
Did not offer much in terms of creativity as the majority of his passes were in the own half. His long balls lacked accuracy too but was clever with his tactical fouls and destructive display which prevented the Merseysiders from controlling the midfield game.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
An all-round display from the German who not only marshalled the defence but also used his experience and vision to hold possession and distribute it upfront for the attackers to create and convert chances.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.5
The Belgian missed a spot-kick which could have been the potential winner. Having said that, it was another dominating and industrious display from the playmaker who assisted Gabriel Jesus for the equalizer and was all over the pitch to make it more difficult for Liverpool to take control as they did in the initial minutes.
Ferran Torres: 5.5
Has been in fine form in Europe but was largely ineffective from the right-hand flank before making way for Bernardo Silva around the hour mark.
Raheem Sterling: 6
Was claiming a foul from Diogo Jota which was waived off by the referee Craig Pawson moments before Walker’s foul on Mane inside the box at the other end of the pitch. This was the only highlight of the ex-Liverpool attacker during this engaging contest.
Gabriel Jesus: 8
Found the net midweek against Olympiakos on his return from injury and was excellent once again as he fired in around the half-hour mark to earn his side an equalizer. Must feel gutted though as he wasted a free header in the second half which could have sealed all three points from this crucial contest.
Substitutes
Bernardo Silva: 6
Came on for Torres but made little difference from the right flank.
