Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Manchester City
Manchester City at Etihad was supposed to be Liverpool’s one of the most difficult fixtures of the season, but that was not case. Liverpool thrashed Manchester City 4-1 at Etihad. Amazing performances from the Brazilian duo of Firmino and Coutinho played the key role in Liverpool’s victory. An own goal from Mangala, and goals from Firmino, Coutinho and Skrtel sealed the game for Liverpool. It was the returning Sergio Aguero who scored for City. Liverpool was dominant and could have scored more goals.
Here is our Liverpool player ratings for the match.
Simon Mignolet – 7.5
Mignolet did not have much to do actually but had to make a couple of saves in the second half. He came out of position confidently to clear the ball away a couple of times. His handling was good but put Clyne under pressure once. Overall it was a confident and solid display from the Belgian.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5
He did not have much influence in Liverpool’s game. He did not do anything much in Liverpool’s attacking moves, but was solid at the back. His error led to City’s only goal, but it still was a solid display from the former Southampton man. He pocketed Sterling in the first half (Sterling moved to the right wing in the second half). Liverpool do not need a new right back to replace Clyne anytime soon.
Martin Skrtel – 9
Skrtel was a rock at the back for Liverpool. He made crucial interceptions and tackles. He was caught out of position for Aguero’s goal but can’t be blamed because of the way Aguero received the ball. His stunning half-volley goal was the icing on the cake. A perfect performance by the Slovakian.
Dejan Lovren – 8
Sakho’s injury was a concern for the Liverpool fans. They were not confident about Lovren playing against a team like Manchester City, but the Croatian proved them wrong by bringing out a solid display. Like Skrtel, he also made crucial tackles and interceptions. He won 100% of the headers he went for in the match. Even though he is not a constant starter for Liverpool, his recent performances were good and he will be hoping to keep up his form.
Alberto Moreno – 8
Alberto Moreno is known for his attacking skills than his defensive ones. He has made some mistakes in his defensive responsibilities in the past, but this time he was solid. He kept Jesus Navas at bay in the first half (Navas was subbed off at half time). He also made few runs forward and his presence was really felt on the left wing. He is starting to take corners which was not the case under Brendan Rodgers.
Lucas Leiva – 8.5
Lucas is having an amazing run for Liverpool now. After Klopp’s arrival he has been one of the key players for Liverpool. He was solid for Liverpool and played as the perfect defensive midfielder. He made it difficult for Manchester City midfielders to create chances. He will be key for Liverpool throughout the season.
James Milner – 7
He is still not at his best but was a good performance by the former Manchester City man. He returned as Liverpool’s captain after injury and like always he never stopped running. His mis-pass could have led to another City goal, but Mignolet made a fine save to deny Aguero.
Emre Can – 8
Can has not been in good form lately, but he was amazing this time. He was very energetic and was really involved in the first half. His beautiful back heel pass to Coutinho led to Firmino’s goal. He was good in possession too.
Adam Lallana – 8.5
The highlight is on Firmino and Coutinho, but Lallana was on par with them. He was very good in possession. He was caught offside couple of times in goal scoring positions. He could have scored if he was little more alert. He is starting to prove his worth in Liverpool colours. Looks much better under Jurgen Klopp. And their relationship can be seen in their hug when Lallana was subbed off.
Roberto Firmino – 9.5
Firmino had a slow start to his Liverpool career, but he slowly started gaining momentum and against City he has kick-started his Liverpool career. He worked hard and got his first goal for Liverpool. His amazing pass led to Coutinho’s goal and also got the ‘assist’ for Mangala’s own goal. He could have scored more goals but was denied by Hart a couple of times.
Philippe Coutinho – 9.5
Coutinho gained back his form three weeks ago and scored three goals in two matches. And he has a habit of scoring against City. And that just happened. Coutinho’s form continued and he again scored against City. He has now scored four goals in five games against City. He also got the assist for Firmino’s goal. All of Liverpool’s attack seemed to come from Firmino and Coutinho.
Substitutes:
Jordon Ibe – 7.5
Ibe is in top form after Klopp’s arrival and could become a starter for Liverpool soon. He is calm in possession and his dribbles are lovely. Gave a nice pass for Benteke to score but Hart denied the Belgian.
Christian Benteke – 6.5
He did not have much time to do anything but could have scored from Ibe’s pass, but his touch was not good enough and his shot resulted in the corner from which Skrtel scored. Benteke got a cheeky assist for Skrtel’s goal when his header came down and Skrtel scored a stunning half-volley from it.
Kolo Toure – N/A
