Manchester City and Liverpool, the two most fearsome and dynamic English clubs of modern times, locked horns at Etihad in a potential Premier League decider. Although the Citizens had the upper hand, the Reds showed sheer grit and determination to come back from behind on two occasions. The game finished all square with an identical 2-2 scoreline of Anfield’s reverse fixture.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their draw against Manchester City.
Alisson Becker: 6.5
Made a majestic save to deny Raheem Sterling moments before Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected strike which ended up in the back of the net. Could have done little to stop Gabriel Jesus; however, the flamboyant Brazilian should have been more composed at times while distributing from the back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6.5
Did well against Phil Foden down the right but he must take the blame for Jesus’ goal that restored City’s lead in the first half. He simply stopped his run that allowed the Brazilian to have a go without hassle. Made his mark high up the pitch as he set it up for Diogo Jota who made it 1-1.
Joel Matip: 7
Had some nervy moments in the defensive third, but the centre-half did well overall to handle the pressure. Was unlucky, though, when De Bruyne’s strike deflected off him before finding the target. Was quick to make recoveries and no-nonsense clearances.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
Liverpool’s high-line did not work in the first half, but the Dutchman was at his best to restrict Raheem Sterling’s runs. His long balls were not menacing, but a tactical foul towards the closure stopped De Bruyne from restoring the lead.
Andrew Robertson: 6
Had a difficult evening against the likes of Jesus, Mahrez and De Bruyne. Did not offer much going forward; also lost the majority of duels against the hosts’ swift passing and link-up play.
Fabinho: 6.5
Fabinho, too, had a tough time in the middle of the park. His tackles were clumsy, and the relentless runs of Bernardo Silva made it more difficult for him. Should have done a lot better with his passing.
Jordan Henderson: 7
Was running cluelessly during the first half against City’s possessional football. Did not help Alexander-Arnold enough in the defensive third, but his game improved drastically after the break when he regained his rhythm and momentum. Made way for Naby Keita late in the match.
Thiago Alcantara: 7
Made some late tackles, including the one that could have seen him receiving a second booking. Pulled the strings with his box-to-box movements and great sense of passing from the centre of the pitch.
Mohamed Salah: 7.5
Another game without a goal for the Egyptian king. But he made his contribution by setting it up for Mane, who made it 2-2 seconds after the break.
Sadio Mane: 7.5
Was having a disappointing outing with little impact as a ‘False 9’. Struggled to hold the ball under pressure and find a teammate high up the pitch. Yet he made the most significant contribution by drawing the equalizer early into the second half. Was taken off for Roberto Firmino late in the match.
Diogo Jota: 7
Continued his scoring form with an early strike to make it 1-1. Should have fired in again before the break, but he allowed Aymeric Laporte ample time to make a recovery from a one-on-one situation. Was replaced by Luis Diaz with 20 minutes remaining.
Liverpool Subs Vs Manchester City
Luis Diaz: 6
Tried to make a difference with his pace, precision and flair but was well-contained by Kyle Walker.
Naby Keita: 6
Failed to make any notable contribution in the final minutes.
Roberto Firmino: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
