Liverpool 1 – 0 Manchester City – PL Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 9.0
Immense when needed, thoroughly dominated his box, and showed superb reactions to set Salah free. He’s been a rock this year,. The low one handed save wars critical and he showed why he’s the worlds best.
James Milner – 9.0
A brilliant performance, and one which was needed. He stood up to Foden and didn’t allow him space or time to play. Was always a willing runner and had his best game for the reds in years. A brilliant display by the veteran, with shades of Dani Carvajal in last seasons Champions League Final.
Andy Robertson – 8.0
Looked back to his tenacious best, and worked his socks off. Was willing and able, and showed great link up play in the final third.
Virgil Van Dijk – 9.0
Dominant and assured at the back, and showed his absolute class against the fiercest of forward lines. A superb clearance, great on the ball, and brilliant leadership. The big man is back.
Joe Gomez – 9.0
Sensational display of intelligence in defending. His pace allowed assurances to others, and he covered all areas with superb confidence.
Man of the match.
Thiago Alcantara – 9.0
Snapped and controlled the middle with Fab. A partnership that needs maintaining through the season. They looked to dominate from minute 1, and allowed the protection that was previously lacking. Liverpool’s most important midfielder was on point today, and the reds always perform when he’s at this level.
Fabinho – 9.0
A proper defensive midfield performance, and he allowed the shape around him to flow as he stopped attacks before they could form. A wonderful game by a brilliant player.
Diogo Jota – 8.0
Worked tirelessly to ensure Liverpools wide areas weren’t exploited and looked dangerous going forward. This versatile forward is so important to the newer system, and hopefully the injury isn’t a bad one.
Harvey Elliott – 8.0
That youthful drive and energy was so apparent, and he was so keen to help out Milner whenever it was needed. A player that is being moulded into a fantastic player, and he may just make the wide role his own with Mo moving inside.
Mohamed Salah – 9.0
So dangerous, and this central role suits everything good about him. Pace, power, finesse and a drive to succeed. Took his goal with world class calm and precision. As part of a rotating two man attack, we should now see the man that was always there, the worlds greatest in waiting.
Roberto Firmino – 8.0
A great system performance that worked perfectly against a possession hungry side. So intelligently placed to help out the midfield, and aide his strike partner. This new system may see his renaissance continue.
Substitutes;
Darwin Nunez – 7.0 (on 72)
Gave a new threat, and a physical presence late on.
Jordan Henderson – 7.0 (on 72)
Came in to add bite and control when more energy was needed.
Fabio Carvalho – 7.0 (on 72)
Nice touches, and another versatile display from a player that can be moulded to suit.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0 (on 9.0)
Welcome back young man.
Kostas Tsimikas – N/A (on 90)
Came in for the injured Jota.
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 10.0
Finally unleashed Mo in a starting central position, and his selection was spot on. His in game subs were perfect and he really had his side geared to outwork and outmuscle a team at the peak of their game.
The sending off shows what it all meant, and these moments can help galvanise a team that needs their manager in the fight.
