Football News

    “They were outstanding today” – Liverpool 1-0 Man City player ratings

    By Mohamed Moallim

    Published: 19:00, 16 October 2022

    It was another titanic clash between Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League this afternoon.

    Both teams entered the contest with contrasting forms as the Reds found themselves in mid-table and well off the pace following a middling start. As for the champions they’ve been as ruthless as ever under Pep Guardiola but all of that went out of the window in a raucous Merseyside setting.

    With their backs against the wall, Liverpool pulled off their biggest league win of the season to date while condemning City to a first loss. Mohamed Salah, as often in the past, was today’s difference-maker. His only goal decided what turned out to be a feisty contest at Anfield.

    And with that being said here’s how the players rated:

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    Liverpool

    Alisson – 8 – Had to be at his best today and Liverpool’s most consistent performer this season was up to the challenge of keeping Haaland and company at bay. Even found himself in the assist column again after his quick thinking put Salah one-on-one. He’s now assisted Salah three times in the Premier League, the most a goalkeeper has assisted a single player in the competition’s history.

    Andrew Robertson – 8 – Returned to Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup after being sidelined by injury. Today’s performance was a return to form for the Flying Scotsman who often enjoyed possession deep into City territory.

    Virgil van Dijk – 8 – His record of never losing a Premier League game at Anfield remained intact. Van Dijk also reminded any prospective detractors that he’s among the best centre-backs around with a timely interception to deny a certain Haaland goal late on. “Van Dijk played with more intensity than I’ve ever seen him play,” Jamie Carragher noted post-match.

    “Every outstanding team really on its five or six leaders, and they were outstanding today. That’s why Liverpool are where they are,” he added.

    Joe Gomez – 9 – Making a rare start this evening it took a while for Gomez to settle especially as City took control of the proceedings before Salah’s opener. Once he grew into the game Gomez was “outstanding” and rightfully named Man of the Match. 

    James Milner – 7 – Filled in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who started on the bench, and was certainly tested by the in-form Phil Foden but used every fibre of his experience to keep the England international honest.

    Harvey Elliott – 7 – Entrusted to begin such a big game the 19-year-old certainly didn’t let Klopp down. A livewire Elliott wasn’t shy to demand the ball though it’s fair to say his exuberance often got the better of him.

    Fabinho – 6 – Utilised in his normal spoiler role but found himself in the referee’s book after committing a tactical foul, as a result, wouldn’t finish the game as Klopp didn’t want to end the contest with ten men.

    Thiago – 7 – A somewhat claiming presence in Liverpool’s midfield the Spanish international picked up a late yellow card after sliding into Rodri.

    Diogo Jota – 7 – Saw a headed effort go over the crossbar after City’s goal was disallowed. Put in another tireless performance before stretched off in stoppage time due to injury.

    Roberto Firmino – 6 – Couldnt add to his home goals but in truth, he was largely absent from the action.

    Mohamed Salah – 9 – A contrast to his performance against Arsenal last time out. This was vintage Salah who looked threatening all game and gave City’s backline plenty of uncomfortable moments. Unlucky not to put the hosts in front early into the second half, but made amends in the 75th minute. “It was just wonderful from Salah,” Gary Neville exclaimed on commentary.

    Substitutes:

    Darwin Núñez (for Firmino 72) – 5 – Whether or not he’s low in confidence there’s no reason why he didn’t play Salah through when Liverpool found themselves in a three-on-one situation late on.

    Jordan Henderson (for Fabinho 72) – 5 – Didn’t really put a foot wrong or find himself exposed when introduced.

    Fábio Carvalho (for Elliott 72) – 6 – Kept up the energy in Liverpool’s midfield.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Salah 89) – N/A – A late sub.

    Konstantinos Tsimikas (for Jota 98) – N/A – A late sub.

    Manchester City

    Ederson – 7 – Produced arguably the save of this campaign so far when he denied Mohamed Salah barring down on his goal. He wouldn’t claim a clean sheet as Salah won their second duel.

    Nathan Aké – 6 – Had the most touches by any City player and did what Guardiola required of him in possession.

    Manuel Akanji – 5 – The occasion might have gotten to the Swiss centre-back as he was often guilty of conceding possession, more than any City defender for that matter.

    Rúben Dias – 6 – Orangisned City’s backline and put in another shift but there was nothing Dias could do for Salah’s goal as he was nowhere near the vicinity.

    João Cancelo – 4 – Had to do better when finding himself tight alongside Salah, but the Egyptian forward outmuscled City’s full-back leading to Liverpool’s go-ahead goal.

    Ilkay Gündogan – 6 – Excelled in a box-to-box role often joining City’s attack once winning back possession.

    Rodri – 6 – Won 11 of his 14 total duels. Another monstrous performance albeit in a losing effort.

    Kevin De Bruyne – 6 – Played the game at his own pace but De Bruyne rarely made that killer pass, which observers have come accustomed to, and instead kept things ticking over.

    Phil Foden – 7 – Thought he’d scored in a third consecutive Anfield trip but a foul in the build-up saw his effort chalked off. Aside from that moment, Foden was an ever-present threat on City’s left flank.

    Erling Haaland – 7 – Despite not finding the net Haaland remained a constant presence throughout and on another day could have filled his boots.

    Bernardo Silva – 7 – His spatial awareness ensured City dominated their left flank, and was lucky not to get in trouble after coming together with Salah in the final moments of regular time.

    Substitutes:

    Julián Álvarez (for Gündogan 89) – N/A – A late sub.

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