Liverpool vs Manchester City Player Ratings

In a game earmarked by many as the decisive match in the 23/24 Premier League title race, a dominant Liverpool team were held to a draw by title rivals Manchester City. Though perhaps overshadowed by poor finishing and controversial refereeing decisions, the Reds showed their tenacity and belief through a trying period of injuries.

Credit: The Anfield Wrap (X)

Starting 11

Caoimhin Kelleher (GK): 7.5

The Irishman was not challenged extensively by the City forwards, only being called upon for five saves throughout the game. Took Erling Haaland’s only shot of the game comfortably on his chest, and was let down by his defence for City’s only goal but still managed to get a touch on it. Distribution was good and progressive. His only nervy moment came with fifteen minutes left of normal time when his attempted punch ricocheted off the head of Phil Foden and rocketed into the crossbar, but was very composed and controlled apart from that. Has proven to be a superb backup to Alisson as the starter recovers from injury.

Joe Gomez (LB, RB): 6

Coming off a great run of form deputising for the various fullback injuries Liverpool have endured, Gomez had an off game against the reigning champions. He shut down Phil Foden for most of the first half but could not progress the ball forward with pace, perhaps owing to his right-footedness not suiting the left fullback spot. Though his main job was seemingly to defend, with the Reds’ backline often manifesting as a back 3, in a game as important as this he needed to have an impact on the attack. Looked more comfortable on the right in a more inverted role, but was still shaky and his touches left much to be desired. Needs to gain chemistry with Luis Diaz and should have been taken off instead of Bradley.

Virgil van Dijk © (CB): 9

Almost flawless, bar a nervy moment towards the end of the first half when Haaland crept up on him behind and stole the ball. Kept the Norwegian to one total shot which came off the back of a superb one-on-one defensive display. His stoicism in leading the backline showed again, and the City attack proved almost useless against his strength and intelligence. Made some crucial sliding challenges, especially towards the end of the game, which riled up the Anfield crowd and rattled the City midfielders. Provided numerous switching balls that led to good chances for the Reds.

 Credit: Liverpool Football Club (X)

Jarrell Quansah (CB): 8

Quansah’s meteoric rise into the Liverpool first team continues with a great display against his toughest opposition yet deputising for the injured Ibrahima Konate. His partnership with Van Dijk continues to solidify, and there were shades of Joel Matip as he drove the ball forwards a few times in the second half. Had a probing shot saved off the back of a run to the edge of the box. 11 recoveries is a great effort for the young lad. He continues to establish himself as Jurgen Klopp’s third-choice centreback, and learning next to the best in the world will only keep him on the up.

Conor Bradley (RB, subbed off 61’): 7

Slightly underperformed in a game that required his pace and tenacity. The choice to play Harvey Elliott on the right diminished his chances to bomb up the field like he likes to do, but he made the most of a lack of service throughout the first half. He created a few chances, his best being a low cross that just evaded an outstretched Darwin Nunez fifteen minutes in, but ultimately was not as good as we’ve seen him since breaking into Klopp’s 11. Was unlucky to be taken off for Robertson an hour in, but will have something to prove against Brighton.

Wataru Endo (DM): 9.5, Man of the Match

What a performance from the Japanese midfielder. Proving again to be Liverpool’s best value for money signing, and arguably the signing of the season, Endo controlled a midfield that, on the day, outperformed that of City. His transition play was second to none, using his body to shield the ball before playing progressive passes through the blue lines. His rapport with Mac Allister continues to improve, the midfield duo often settling into a double pivot (especially in the first half). His recent performances have every Liverpool fan wondering how we got him for so cheap, and he is surely a cemented starter for the rest of the season. Outperformed possibly the best 6 in the world. What a beast.

Alexis Mac Allister (CM, goal 50’): 8.5

Another spectacular performance from the World Cup winner. Scored the only goal for Liverpool from 12 yards out after Nunez was taken down in the box, beating Ederson with a lovely curling strike to bring his Liverpool tally to 4. Played a lovely box to box role that complemented Endo and Szoboszlai, and was a good creative outlet. We can’t really ask more from Alexis, showing time and time again that he has been the Premier League signing of the season. That he only cost £35 million in the summer is ridiculous. Should have had a penalty in the last minute after being karate kicked in the chest by Jeremy Doku, but what more can we except from a refereeing group that seem to despise the men in red.

 Credit: Liverpool Football Club (X)

Dominik Szoboszlai (CM, subbed off 61’): 7

Decent is probably the best word to describe the Hungarian’s performance against the reigning champions. Playing in a crowded middle third and next to two of Liverpool’s three top performers, Szoboszlai was progressive with his play without creating exceptional chances. 5 passes into the final third show his ability but he was let down by his forwards. His free kick to close out the first half was average at best but provided Liverpool’s first shot on target and tested Ederson. Was maybe unlucky to be taken off, however, as he started to grow into the game about forty minutes in. Perhaps with another fifteen minutes he could have had a greater impact on the game, but another consistent performance earns him an above average rating.

Luiz Diaz (LW): 5.5

This may seem harsh for the Colombian, with a fiery last twenty minutes setting up a chaotic ending, but as a forward his job is to create goals and he simply could not have made it harder for himself. Three superb chances went begging in the middle of the second half, and it left me wondering why he wasn’t taken off for Gakpo or Koumas. His movement was below par as well. In the first half against arguably City’s weakest defender in Walker, Diaz would meander up to him only to lose the ball or pass it back to the also uninspiring Gomez. We simply needed more from the former Porto man. Lucho has been on a terrific run of form lately, but even with his good end to the game (which still produced no end product), I can’t justify a performance that potentially cost us an important win. Should have been taken off instead of Nunez.

Darwin Nunez (ST, subbed off 76’): 7

The first thing that jumped out to me about Darwin’s performance was him being offside 5 times. It is so frustrating to see him sit in offside positions when our gameplan in the first half was to play long and bypass the City press. In terms of his actual play, he was good, but we needed more from the chaotic striker. He had good service from those behind him, but couldn’t convert his chances, the best of them being a shot on the end of a Robertson cross that was beautifully saved by Ortega. Though I think Nunez has the potential to be a world-class striker, he needs to work on involving himself when it seems impossible. Maybe had he stayed onside more, there would have been more fruit for the Uruguayan.

Harvey Elliott (RW, CM): 7.5

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sold on Harvey’s first half performance. In the absence of one Mohammad Salah the young star has stepped up beautifully for Klopp’s team, but he seemed under par against City for the first 45. After the game and upon reflecting I gave him a little more slack. Many of us, myself included, want him to be Salah. We are blessed with one of the best players in the world and when we don’t have him it’s difficult, but Elliott proved once again why Jurgen Klopp has placed 100 games worth of trust in the youngster. His creativity from the right was commendable, creating chances through the air that came close to goals, including a near miss from Szoboszlai thirty minutes in. After Salah’s substitution he dropped back to his favoured RCM position and looked much more comfortable. The 20-year-old deserves a rest against Brighton, having played almost every minute (including extra time in the Carabao Cup victory) for the last six games.

 Credit: The Anfield Wrap (X)

Substitutes

Andy Robertson (LB, subbed on 61’): 7

Injected some life into what had been a dormant Liverpool left side. Created numerous crossed chances in the half an hour he was given, including a great cross to Nunez which almost had the ball in the back of the net. Defensively was a little suspect, with Foden and Silva getting in behind him on occasion, but was ultimately solid and has made a case to get his position back.

Mohammad Salah (RW, subbed on 61’): 7

The return of the Egyptian King brought with it much fanfare but little results. Coming off a long period on the sidelines Salah looked rusty and could not create at his normal volume, but still was a force to be reckoned with on the right side. Had a couple of moments around City’s box where he could have dribbled instead of passed, but that will come as he regains match fitness. Created a lovely chance for Diaz from inside his own half soon after coming on, and is always a threat in and around the box. Had a late penalty shout correctly waved away.

Cody Gakpo (ST, subbed on 76’): 5.5

First things first, he came on in the wrong position; Diaz should’ve come off instead of Nunez. But regardless, something is wrong with Gakpo at the moment. He dribbles with his head down, plays regressive passes and drops way too deep into midfield when he’s supposed to be a striker. Just did not seem like he was going to do anything positive for the twenty minutes he had on the field. 8 total touches says it all.

Subs not used: Adrian, Nallo, Clark, McConnell, Tsimikas, Koumas

Manager

Jurgen Klopp: 8

The way Klopp has managed through this run of injuries is ridiculous. To not be in a worse position with half of his regular starting 11 out just shows how good of a manager the German is. My biggest issues with him today were the substitutions. For me, they were all wrong. Robertson and Salah should’ve been on earlier, and for Gomez and Diaz instead of Bradley and Szoboszlai. Gakpo coming on was fine enough as there weren’t really other options but bringing Darwin off was not what I expected. Still, he should be commended for a solid game plan and a superb run of form.

Credit: The Anfield Wrap (X)

Overall Team Rating

8.5/10

Overall, it was a great team display at Anfield last night. A good, cohesive midfield performance - with every Red outclassing their City counterpart - and a solid backline contributed to a well-paced, efficient display that would have been perfect if not for some missed chances in our attacking third. Liverpool have no reason to worry, in my opinion. Second only due to goal difference and with Arsenal and City to play each other, we're in a good position to go all the way in Klopp's final year.