Liverpool 4-3 Manchester City: player ratings from the Anfield thriller

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Loris Karius Strong in the air when called upon but beaten convincingly at his near post for Sané’s equaliser 6

Joe Gomez A bright start was undermined by the poor misjudgment that led to City’s leveller 6

Joel Matip Weak for Sané’s goal but that was the exception. Marshalled Agüero expertly and clean in tackle 7

Dejan Lovren Replaced the hamstrung Virgil van Dijk and ensured the record signing was not missed 7

Andrew Robertson The Scot’s pace helped nullify Sterling and he enjoyed the physical side of their duel, too 8

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Scored the first, made the second and was a constant nuisance to City. Excellent 8

Emre Can Strong, aggressive. Best display for a while set tone for Liverpool’s midfield dominance 8

Georginio Wijnaldum Understated but revelled in the dirty work and dealing with De Bruyne 7

Mohamed Salah Exploded into life in the second half, destroyed Otamendi and a touch of class for fourth goal 8

Roberto Firmino Led the press superbly and crucial second goal typified his contribution – strong and stylish. Booked 9

Sadio Mané Curbed some of his attacking instinct to stop Kyle Walker’s runs yet still produced a stunning goal 8

Subs Milner (booked) (for Can, 79) n/a; Lallana (for Salah, 88) n/a, Klavan (for Mané, 90+4) n/a. Not used Mignolet, Ings, Solanke, Alexander-Arnold

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Manchester City (4-1-2-3)

Ederson Positioning questionable for the first goal and erred for the fourth, although saved well from Salah and Oxlade-Chamberlain 6

Kyle Walker Unable to affect City’s play in the final third due to Mané’s tireless display but a fine ball for City’s first goal 6

John Stones Found wanting when it mattered. rushed off the ball for Liverpool’s second proved crucial 5

Nicolás Otamendi Enjoyed a strong first half but badly at fault when Liverpool seized control of the game after the break. Booked 5

Fabian Delph A brief but problematic appearance for the converted left-back. Targeted , dispossessed for the opener and injured 4

Fernandinho Frequently over-run in midfield and easily harried into mistakes. Brazilian had minimal influence. Booked 5

Kevin De Bruyne The only City player on his game from the first whistle. Superb on the ball as usual but given few options 7

Ilkay Gündogan Showed in flashes he is coming back to form and fitness but struggled to get a grip on Liverpool’s midfield three 6

Raheem Sterling The boos appeared to get to him at Anfield once again. Careless in possession throughout. Booked 4

Sergio Agüero Rarely escaped the attentions of Matip and had few chances to trouble Karius in the Liverpool goal 6

Leroy Sané Scored a fine equaliser and his run led to City’s third but often isolated by his left-back’s reluctance to attack 7

Subs Danilo (for Delph, 31) 5, B Silva (for Sterling, 71) 6. Not used Bravo, Mangala, D Silva, Zinchenko, Díaz