Liverpool entertained Manchester City at Anfield on Wednesday night as part of their crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie. The Reds began the match on the front foot and got themselves ahead in the 12th minute courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s finish from close range. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubled the home team’s lead in the 20th minute followed by Liverpool’s third goal via Sadio Mane’s header. The home side controlled the game well and went into half-time with a three-goal advantage.
Both teams came out in the second half looking to dictate play. However, apart from City dominating the ball, they had little to show for their efforts in the final third. The match ended with Liverpool in a commanding position to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition. The Reds won the game with a 3-0 scoreline.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed on the night.
GK: Loris Karius – 7/10
The German keeper had little to do in the game but performed well when called upon in the second half.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
He did brilliantly well to cope with the pace and trickery of Leroy Sane and provided an outlet down the right flank from time to time.
CB: Dejan Lovren – 8/10
The Croatian defender kept his composure and made some crucial clearances to keep the City attack at bay.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7/10
He was caught in possession at times but was a calm presence at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 8/10
The Scotsman put in a hardworking shift down the left flank and defended well when called upon. He was also a constant outlet for Liverpool on the left-hand side of the midfield.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Not the best game by the Reds captain on the ball, but he still did enough to press the City midfield and win back possession. He got booked for a silly challenge which will rule him out of the second leg.
CM: James Milner – 7/10
He put in a tireless shift at the centre of the park and did well both on and off the ball.
CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 8/10
The English midfielder scored with a wonderful strike from long range and was always positive on the ball.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 9/10
The Egyptian was once again Liverpool’s superhero on the night. He scored the opener and created the chance for the Reds’ third goal.
LM: Sadio Mane – 7/10
The Senegalese used his pace well but his impact faded as the game progressed in the second half. He scored the decisive third goal with a header from close range.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 8/10
Another impressive display by the Brazilian in a Liverpool shirt. He worked tirelessly for the Reds but was unlucky not to score on the night.
Substitutes:
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10
He did well after coming off the bench and ensured that the Reds did not concede on the night.
LM: Alberto Moreno – 7/10
The Spaniard pressed the ball well which gave the City midfield some problems.
ST: Dominic Solanke – 7/10
He came on to hold the ball up for Liverpool and did enough to see out the victory.
