Liverpool and Manchester City, two of the greatest English rivals of the modern-day game, locked horns again this afternoon following last weekend’s 2-2 Premier League draw at the Etihad. The high-flying Reds had a 3-0 lead at half-time, but the Citizens pulled one back soon after the game restarted after the break. Bernardo Silva’s injury-time goal brought them back in contention. However, the Merseysiders overcame the late scare and sealed a place in the FA Cup final.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their thrilling 3-2 win against Manchester City.
Alisson Becker: 7.5
Made a massive one-on-one save in the second half to deny Gabriel Jesus. Could have done little for the two goals scored by City in the second half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7.5
Did extremely well down the wide to contain Jack Grealish. Made timely overlapping runs and played his part in the build-up of Mane’s majestic strike late in the first half.
Ibrahima Konate: 8
Headed home once from a corner within 10 minutes of the match. Also maintained his composure at the back against a pacy Man City attacking third.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
A calm yet headstrong display from the Dutchman. The highline was not exposed except for a couple of occasions. Made some massive blocks and clearances in the closing minutes when City were chasing for an equalizer.
Andrew Robertson: 7
Assisted Konate with his pinpoint corner from the left-hand flank. Linked up well with Luis Diaz, however, should have done better to stop Riyad Mahrez late in the contest before the Skyblues’ second of the afternoon.
Fabinho: 7.5
Dominated the game from his deep-lying midfield role with timely challenges and crucial tackles. Got dribbled past twice and lost a few duels. But the Brazilian was swift to make recoveries under pressure from the opponents.
Thiago Alcantara: 8.5
Showed his range of passing from the centre of the pitch. Switched it down the wide to open up space in City midfield; also chipped the ball perfectly for Mane who unleashed a stellar strike to make it 3-0. Made way for Curtis Jones with minutes remaining.
Naby Keita: 7.5
An impressive first half from the Guinean as his close control and movement in narrow spaces helped the Reds script several attacking transitions. Was slightly ineffective since the break and eventually made way for skipper Jordan Henderson for the final quarter of the game.
Mohamed Salah: 5.5
Another dreadful display from the Egyptian who should have put the game to bed. Missed some clear cut chances, and also struggled to cut inside and find his teammates high up the pitch.
Luis Diaz: 7.5
Kept on causing menace in the City defence with his footwork, dribbles and tricky skills from the left-hand flank. Joao Cancelo had a difficult time against the Colombian which forced him to limit his overlapping runs. Was replaced by Roberto Firmino at around the 85th-minute mark.
Sadio Mane: 9
A match-winning display from the Senegalese who chased the ball and slid it in with a challenge on Zack Steffen between the sticks. Scored again with an outrageous volley which eventually proved to be decisive in this five-goal thriller. Made way for Diogo Jota late in the game.
Liverpool Substitutes Vs Manchester City
Jordan Henderson: NA
Did too little to warrant a rating.
Diogo Jota: NA
Did too little to warrant a rating.
Roberto Firmino: NA
Did too little to warrant a rating.
Curtis Jones: NA
Did too little to warrant a rating.
