Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City: player ratings from Anfield

Liverpool

Caoimhín Kelleher Only had one save to make all game, when Kevin De Bruyne pounced on a Van Dijk slip, and delivered to keep Liverpool’s 11th clean sheet of the season. 7/10

Trent Alexander-Arnold A sublime pass for the opening goal was the icing on a creative and convincing return. Dominated Nunes but more problems with Doku. 8

Joe Gomez Softened the blow of Ibrahima Konaté’s absence with an assured defensive display. Another valuable contribution by a true team player. 8

Virgil van Dijk Unlucky with one header against a post but should have buried his next attempt. Contained Haaland comfortably and got away with his one slip. 8

Andy Robertson Never gave Lewis an inch in a commanding display. Surging runs and superb distribution completed the package. 8

Ryan Gravenberch His drive and energy exposed the age gap between the two central midfields. Coolness under pressure also enabled Liverpool to win that battle. 8

Alexis Mac Allister Such an important cog in Slot’s machine. A tigerish, selfless display with flashes of ingenuity that connects the whole system. 8

Mohamed Salah Created one and scored one as he once again drove Liverpool’s title charge. Always looked dangerous and, if we are being picky, should have scored more. 9

Dominik Szoboszlai Justified his inclusion with a superb start, pressing relentlessly and offering a constant threat. Faded in the second half having run himself into the ground. 8

Cody Gakpo Made the inevitable breakthrough and could have had a first-half hat-trick as Liverpool sliced through repeatedly. Intelligent movement tormented Walker. 8

Luis Díaz Chances were hard to come by in his central role but never stopped, never gave the City defence a moment’s peace and got his reward when pouncing to win the penalty. 8

Substitutes: Quansah (for Alexander-Arnold; 73) 6; Núñez (for Gakpo; 73) 7; Jones (for Salah; 84) 6; Elliott (for Díaz; 90+1) N/A.

Manchester City

Stefan Ortega The goalkeeping switch was Guardiola’s big call. While understandable, it did not pay off. Unconvincing for Gakpo’s opener and conceded the penalty. 5

Kyle Walker A torrid evening. Switched off with fatal consequences for the first goal and lost possession in the lead-up to Liverpool’s second. 4

Rúben Dias The rust showed on the Portugal international’s first outing since 30 October. Vulnerable long before being outmuscled by Núñez for the penalty. 5

Manuel Akanji Another passive presence in the City defence. Stood off Salah too long for the first goal and careless in possession. 5

Nathan Aké The only City defender who could be satisfied with his contribution. Strong in the duels with Salah and several well-timed interceptions. 6

Bernardo Silva Part of a central midfield duo that was constantly overrun. Lost the ball cheaply and unable to create in the periods when City did exert pressure. 5

Ilkay Gündogan Age appears to be catching up with the midfielder on this evidence. Slow, sloppy in possession and withdrawn after 57 minutes. 4

Rico Lewis Stationed out on the right as Guardiola started without wingers and looked lost. Swamped by Robertson and Gakpo. No impact. 5

Phil Foden Suffered a knee injury early on and struggled throughout. Never hid but, equally, he never got the better of his markers and supplied Haaland with little. 5

Matheus Nunes One saving tackle on Gakpo aside, offered absolutely zero. Ineffective on the ball and a passenger for most of the 57 minutes he was on the pitch. A questionable signing. 4

Erling Haaland Where was he? Another anonymous showing at Anfield from the City marksman. Dominated comfortably by Van Dijk. 4

Subs: Savinho (for Gündogan; 58) 5; Doku (for Nunes; 57) 6; De Bruyne (for Foden; 79) 5, Grealish (for Lewis; 79) 5.