Liverpool player ratings vs Man City: Dazzling duo get 8/10 as Reds put one hand on title | Football | Sport
Liverpool took a giant step towards winning the Premier League title with a clinical display against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai fired the Reds to victory, with the result putting them 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal having played a game more.
They took an early lead with a smart corner routine, which had clearly been devised on the training ground. Alexis Mac Allister fired a low ball into the feet of Szoboszlai, who flicked towards Salah for a first-time finish with the help of a deflection.
Liverpool‘s star man turned provider before the break, laying the ball off to Szoboszlai who found the net with a clever strike into the bottom corner.
City worked hard to try and reduce the deficit but it was clear that Liverpool were going to see out their lead, with the final whistle prompting jubilant scenes in the packed away end.
Express Sport brings you the Liverpool player ratings from an impressive victory…
Liverpool player ratings vs Man City
Alisson Becker – 6
Had to deal with a number of crosses and shots but was equal to everything thrown at him. A routine display from Liverpool‘s number one and a well-deserved clean sheet.
Had some issues against Jeremy Doku, who had the beating of him on far too many occasions. Fared much better in possession, having a big hand in setting up Liverpool‘s second goal with a fine lobbed pass.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Solid at the back when tested. Looked fired up and showed no fear in putting his body on the line to block crosses and snuff out attacks. Read the game well and can be pleased with his overall performance.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Excelled in his defensive duties and was rewarded with a clean sheet. Brought composure to the back line, constantly directing his team-mates and barking orders. A captain’s performance.
Andrew Robertson – 6
Was lucky to avoid being booked for a nasty foul on Savinho early on, but won most of his battles against the City winger. Did okay further forward without setting the world alight.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Looked slightly off the pace when out of possession and could have done more to help his team-mates when City were looking to break. Impressed with the ball at his feet, though, using his range of passing to get Liverpool forward quickly.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Took the corner which led to Liverpool‘s opener. Kept things ticking in the middle of the park despite City having the lion’s share of possession. Tracked back relentlessly and covered almost every blade of grass on the pitch.
Curtis Jones – 6
Was quiet in the first half, running around a lot without doing much to impact the game. Improved after the break and found the net with a close-range finish, but the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.
Dominic Szoboszlai – 8
Grabbed an assist with a cute pass to Salah for his side’s opening goal. Doubled their advantage just before the break, finding the net with a smart finish which left Ederson rooted to his mark. A very good performance.
Mohamed Salah – 8
Did not need long to open the scoring with a first-time finish, which was helped in by a deflection. Turned provider with a fine pass for Szoboszlai before the break. Another top display. Easily the world’s best player on current form.
Luis Diaz – 6
Struggled to impact the first half in the way he would have liked. Showed plenty of desire but lacked an end product and did not have much joy in taking players on. Improved in the second half, getting himself on the ball more regularly.
Substitutes
Wataru Endo – 6
Came on for Curtis Jones in the final 20 minutes. Did his job well enough, keeping things moving along nicely in the engine room.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Introduced in place of Andrew Robertson for the closing stages. Had a hairy moment when he smashed the ball miles into the air, prompting Alisson to come out of his goal, but otherwise did okay.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Entered the fray with the clock ticking down in the final 10 minutes, replacing Luis Diaz and getting himself involved in the play.
Jarell Quansah – n/a
A late addition.
Harvey Elliott – n/a
A late addition.
