Manchester City and Liverpool locked horns in a tempting encounter at Etihad this evening in order to strengthen their position for a top-four finish. Liverpool secured four league victories in last five meetings against City and Pep Guardiola’s men were humbled at Anfield when Georginio Wijnaldum’s early goal secured a tidy 1-0 triumph in favour of the Reds on New Year’s eve. However, both sides delivered an end to end stuff and it ended all square at Etihad as they settled for a 1-1 draw.
Below are the Manchester City players rated from the game.
Willy Caballero: 8
The custodian had problems with his outing from Liverpool’s corners, but the Argentine custodian kept them in the game as he pulled off spectacular saves one after another. Was great with his outing from open play and proved his shot-stopping quality yet again. Was wrong-footed by James Milner during the spot-kick.
Fernandinho: 8
Did well in a make-shift right back role as he combined well with Raheem Sterling to trouble James Milner. Was shifted to his usual central midfield role after conceding and his presence in the midfield in place of fatigued Yaya Toure helped his side to take control of the game from midfield as he kept on making attacking contributions till the end.
John Stones: 8.5
One of City’s top performer who pulled off two stunning blocks in either half to prevent his side conceding more. Made a few crucial interceptions and tackles to stop Liverpool’s attacking threats. kept his head cool and played a number of crucial passes from back to initiate productive movements.
Nicolas Otamendi: 7
The Argentine was little clumsy with his tackling and once beaten by Sadio Mane with his pace. Other than that, he was solid and came up with an impressive defensive display in an end-to-end encounter.
Gael Clichy: 5.5
His mistake led Liverpool to earn a spot-kick as he slipped while marking Firmino and made a high-footed tackle from behind on the Brazilian inside the box. Was troubled by Sadio Mane frequently.
Yaya Touré: 6
Toure started the game brightly with his runs and through balls for the attackers. However, he failed to match up the high tempo of the game and looked fatigued and worn out before being taken off to be replaced by Bacary Sagna.
Leroy Sané: 6.5
Terrorised the Liverpool back-line initially from the left-hand side with his pace, skills and smart one-twos. However, he was well contained by Nathaniel Clyne as the game grew old and was replaced by Fernando towards the end.
Kevin De Bruyne: 8
The Belgian was splendid as always as he kept on switching the flanks and delivering deft balls for the attackers. His sublime low placed centre was converted by Sergio Aguero to level the scoreline.
David Silva: 8.5
The skipper was all over the pitch as he ran tirelessly and kept the Liverpool backline on their toes with his smart movements and link up play. Played numerous through balls and key passes for the likes of Aguero, Sane and Sterling but the front trio failed to convert.
Raheem Sterling: 7
The former Liverpool winger was City’s best player during first half despite failing to convert a simple opportunity inside six yards box. Most of City’s movements generated from the right-hand flank and the Englishman played a big part in it. Failed to create a similar impact in second half.
Sergio Agüero: 7
The Argentine forward was largely isolated before finding the net. But the goal raised his confidence high as he created a few more chances to put his team ahead. He skied an effort in stoppage time at the back post which could have sealed the deal for the Citizen’s if he had managed to put it into the back of the net.
Substitutes
Bacary Sagna: 6.5
Came in place of Yaya Toure and replaced Fernandinho at right back as the Brazilian was switched to his usual midfield role. Took part in City’s attacks from the right-hand flank and combined well with Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling to test Liverpool back-line.
Fernando: 6.5
He was brought on to break Liverpool’s counter attacks towards the end. He did well in his role and did not give much space to the likes of Mane, Origi, Lallana and Firmino to form attacks.
