Liverpool 0 – 3 Manchester City – PL Player Ratings
The Premier League return saw the Reds host a club engulfed in charges that could lead to enormous penalties. This would be the first outing for the 115-charge-ridden group, where Anfield eagerly awaited their arrival.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 6.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was able to show superb handling to stop a long-range effort from Enzo Fernandez, as he looked to stay concentrated.
After the restart, the Reds’ keeper was left too exposed for the quick-fire double. Was again exposed for the third.
Ronald Ara̼jo Р6.0
The Brazilian international was a powerful presence early on as he looked to impose himself from the opening minute.
After the restart, the Barca loanee was able to provide an enticing cross before becoming surplus to the deficit.
Subbed – 74 mins
Milos Kerkez – 6.0
The Hungarian international was full of running and covered his flank with real vigour. Got a little over-exuberant with his crossing following one terrific low delivery.
After the break, the exciting full-back was unable to keep the energy as the game slipped away.
J̩r̩my Jacquet Р7.0
The France under-21 international was able to cover well and showed great physical ability to keep the talented adversary at bay.
In the second half, the exciting prodigy was less impactful after the sending-off.
Subbed – 88 mins
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team was vocal and authoritative early on, keeping his team locked in.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was unable to consolidate after the sending-off.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0
The Argentina international was a steady and reliable figure as he looked to occupy space and move the ball quickly.
After the intermission, the midfield man was able to curl a terrific effort from distance, which arced just round the far post. Was outnumbered after the sending-off.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0
The Hungarian international was superb early on and looked far more comfortable as the advanced member of the double pivot. His ability to move and gallop away from opponents allowed opportunities to arise.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star struck a brilliant strike from distance which was parried away.
Sent off – 62 mins
Florian Wirtz – 5.0
The attacking midfielder was beat and full of running as he quickly got into the game, yet lacked ball incision.
After the restart, the former Bayer Leverkusen man was limited before having to be relieved due to the sending-off.
Subbed – 66 mins
Lewis Koumas – 7.0
The Wales international was a whirlwind of pressing in the opening stages as he looked to lead the line with pure ferocity.
In the second half, the academy graduate was able to fire a thunderous strike at the opposition keeper, which was well saved just after the restart.
Subbed – 75 mins
Bradley Barcola – 5.0
The French winger was a fast-paced option from the off and was able to stretch the play and be an outlet for the home side to get up the pitch quickly. However, despite this, he said he was unable to offer anything significant as he failed to make the most of the space.
After the break, the former PSG man was better from the off and allowed Koumas to get a shot away.
Subbed – 88 mins
VÃctor Muñoz – 8.0
The Spanish player was electric early on and caused continual issues on the ball, where his pace and movement caused a stir for the visitors.
After the intermission, the summer signing was still full of running, but after the sending-off it was all in vain.
Substitutions:
Trey Nyoni – 6.0 (on 66)
Came on to try and offer balance.
Rio Ngumoha – 5.0 (on 75)
Came on to
Jeremie Frimpong – 4.0 (on 75)
Came on to offer less defensive options.
Joe Gomez – N/A (on 88)
Came on.
Federico Chiesa – N/A (on 88)
Came on.
The Manager:
Andoni Iraola – 6.0
The starting lineup was adjusted due to injuries meaning certain players had to start this game.
The second-half substitutes were required due to the sending-off.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
Liverpool 2 – 0 Manchester City
