Premier League football returned this weekend following a tedious international break when Liverpool travelled to Etihad to encounter Manchester City in an electrifying encounter. Liverpool hold a great record against big guns and their recent run promised an end-to-end display. City had a slow start and were hoping to gather a momentum at home which they did with an emphatic 5-0 victory against their bogey opponents.
Below are the Manchester City players rated from the fixture.
Ederson: 7
The Brazilian custodian had a solid start with a few routine stops. However, he has stretchered off the field following a collision with Sadio Mane late in the first half and the Senegalese international was sent off for a foul that looked unintentional.
Danilo: 7
Started on the right-hand side of Manchester City’s three-man back-line. Did well to contain Sadio Mane before the Senegalese international was shown a straight red for his foul on Ederson. Did not face stern defensive test thereafter.
John Stones: 7
Started the game in place of injured skipper Vincent Kompany. The Englishman looked solid with blocks, tackles, and clearances.
Nicolas Otamendi: 6.5
Was troubled initially by pacy Mohamed Salah in the first half and conceded free-kick in a dangerous position. He had a better second half with almost no pressure from Liverpool’s attacking third with a man down. Was replaced by Eliaquim Mangala in the second half.
Kyle Walker: 7.5
Kept on running forward and help the attackers from the right wing-back role. Assisted Leroy Sane for his second and the ultimate goal of the game where the German youngster scored from a stunning strike to make it 5-0.
Fernandinho: 7
Worked hard to win and hold possession in the middle of the park. Was initially troubled by Sadio Mane and conceded a free-kick just outside the box. However, had an impressing outing overall with his work rate and passing skills.
Kevin De Bruyne: 9
The Belgian international was ruthless with his passing, pressing and vision. Assisted Sergio Aguero with a sublime cross to break the deadlock in the first half. His majestic cross from the left-hand flank was converted by Gabriel Jesus to double the lead late into the first half. Played a goal in their fourth goal as well which was eventually converted by substitute Leroy Sane.
David Silva: 6.5
Was not as effective as he has been so far this season. However, he did his job efficiently with holding the ball, constructing moves and linking up with the attackers.
Benjamin Mendy: 8
He kept young Trent Alexander-Arnold on his toes throughout the game and whipped in numerous crosses from the left-hand flank. Assisted Leroy Sane for his first goal minutes after coming on as a substitute in place of Gabriel Jesus.
Gabriel Jesus: 8.5
The Brazilian is in flying form since joining Manchester City back in January. He netted late into the first half with a sublime header and again scored early in the second half with a perfect link up play with Sergio Aguero. Was replaced by Leroy Sane who also netted a brace after coming on as a second half substitute.
Sergio Aguero: 8.5
The Argentine hitman drew the first blood after picking up a sublime Kevin De Bruyne through ball. He set it up beautifully for Jesus in the second half and almost found the back of the net on a couple of occasions but was denied by Simon Mignolet.
Substitutes
Claudio Bravo: 6
Came on as a substitute of injured custodian Ederson. Remained largely untested.
Leroy Sane: 8.5
Came on as a second half substitute in place of Gabriel Jesus and scored a brace. His second one, particularly, has to be the goal of the match as his left-footed effort curled over Mignolet into the top corner in added minutes.
Eliaquim Mangala: 6
Came as a replacement for Otamendi who was taken off as a precaution particularly after conceding a booking early into the game.
