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Liverpool
Caoimhin Kelleher There was just one save all game when Kevin De Bruyne pounced on Van Dijk’s pass and pounced to keep Liverpool’s 11th clean sheet of the season. 7/10
Trent Alexander-Arnold A superb pass for the opener was the icing on the cake of a creative and convincing comeback. Nunes dominated, but more trouble with Doku. 8
Joe Gomez Soften the blow of Ibrahima Konate’s absence with a solid defence. Another valuable contribution from a true team player. 8
Virgil van Dyck He was unlucky with a header against the post but had to bury his next attempt. He held off Haaland comfortably and got away with just one miss. 8
Andy Robertson I never gave Lewis an inch in a commanding display. Fast print runs and superior distribution completed the package. 8
Ryan Gravenburch His drive and energy exposed the age gap between the two central midfielders. Composure under pressure also allowed Liverpool to win this battle. 8
Alexis McAllister Such an important cog in the slot machine. A tigerish, selfless display with flashes of ingenuity that ties the whole system together. 8
Mohamed Salah Created one and scored one as he once again powered Liverpool to the title. Always looked dangerous and, if we’re being picky, should have scored more. 9
Dominic Soboslay Justified his inclusion with a superb start, pressing relentlessly and offering a constant threat. Faded in the second half after crashing into the ground. 8
Cody Gakpo Made the inevitable breakthrough and could have bagged a hat-trick in the first half as Liverpool cut through him repeatedly. The smart move was torturing Walker. 8
Luis Diaz Chances were hard to come by in his central role but they never stopped, never gave the City defense a moment’s peace and he got his reward when he pounced to win the penalty. 8
Reservations: Kwansa (for Alexander-Arnold; 73) 6; Nunez (for Gakpo; 73) 7; Jones (for Salah; 84) 6; Eliot (for Diaz; 90+1) N/A.
Manchester City
Stefan Ortega Changing the goalkeeper was Guardiola’s big decision. While understandable, it didn’t pay off. Unconvincing about Gakpo’s opening and the penalty conceded. 5
Kyle Walker Hot evening. Sent off with fatal consequences for the first goal and loss of possession for Liverpool’s second goal. 4
Ruben Diaz The rust appeared in the Portugal international’s first outing since October 30. Vulnerable long before he was beaten by Nunes for the penalty. 5
Manuel Akanji Another passive presence in the City defence. It sat on Salah too long for the first goal and sloppy possession. 5
Nathan Ake The only City defender who could be happy with his contribution. Strong in the duels with Salah and several accurate interceptions. 6
Bernardo Silva Part of a central midfield duo that was constantly overrun. Was losing the ball cheaply and failed to create in periods when City were pressing. 5
Ilkay Gundogan Age seems to be catching up with the midfielder on this evidence. Slow, sloppy in possession and withdrawn after 57 minutes. 4
Rico Lewis Deployed on the right as Guardiola started without wings and looked lost. Flooded by Robertson and Gakpo. No impact. 5
Phil Foden He suffered a knee injury early on and struggled throughout. He never hid, but he also never overpowered his markers and gave Haaland little. 5
Mateus Nunes One Gakpo save aside, absolutely zero offered. Ineffective with the ball and a passer for most of the 57 minutes on the pitch. Questionable signature. 4
Erling Haaland where were you Another anonymous performance at Anfield from the City marksman. Dominated comfortably by Van Dijk. 4
Subs: Savinho (for Gundogan; 58) 5; Docu (for Nunes; 57) 6; De Bruyne (for Foden; 79) 5Grealish (for Luiz; 79) 5.
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