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Manchester City 3 – 0 Liverpool – PL Player Ratings

The Premier League’s return after an important victory over Real Madrid saw the Reds travel to face Pep Guardiola’s resurgent Sky Blues, as Etihad played host to the nation’s two most elite clubs.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6.0

The giant Georgian stopper was unlucky to concede the penalty as he tried to pull away from contact, yet redeemed himself with a solid stop from the resulting spot kick. A tough defection gave the stopper no chance for the second goal.

After the restart, the Reds’ backup keeper was helpless to stop the third goal.

Conor Bradley – 5.0

The Irish fullback was tested relentlessly as much of City’s build-up came through the left channel. The combative defender stood up well and showed ample energy to repel what he could.

After the break, the young defender was again exposed too often.

Andy Robertson – 4.0

The Scotland international was limited and struggled to progress the ball. Stood off for the cross which opened the scoring as the ageing defender looked tired.

After the intermission, the veteran full-back was unable to improve.

Subbed – 56 mins

Ibrahima Konat̩ Р4.0

The French international defender was caught for the opening goal as he failed to head the ball clear. He was clearly targeted for his limited distribution as he failed to make his ball-playing position more important.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was unable to adjust to stop the third goal.

Virgil van Dijk – 5.0

The captain and leader of this team was unlucky to have his equaliser disallowed as he fired home a superb header. A deflection off his heel created the diversion to allow a second goal conceded as the captain had a tough first half.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was unable to push his team to a revival.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0

The Hungarian skipper was less energetic and powerful than usual as the miles steady on this week’s clock seemed to tell in a difficult first half.

When the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man hustled and pushed as the most explosive player in red.

Photo: IMAGO

Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0

The Dutch midfielder was very ineffective as he failed to progress or hold onto the ball in a fruitless opening period.

After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was given the runaround and failed to ignite much through the middle

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0

The Argentina international was unable to control possession or tempo in the first half as he looked slow and unsure on the ball.

After the break, the 2023 summer signing was still lethargic and left the field.

Subbed – 74 mins

Florian Wirtz – 5.0

The German attacker was unable to light the spark despite the odd moment of skill in the opening 45 minutes.

In the second half, the wide man was ineffective against a team not willing to give space.

Hugo Ekitike – 4.0

The French attacker was neither strong nor fluid in his movement as his brilliant midweek display disappeared against the 115 charge Etihad giants.

After the break, the former PSG striker was again unable to make an impact.

Subbed – 56 mins

Mohamed Salah – 5.0

The Egyptian King was marked out of the first half in an uninspiring display in the first half.

In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was more forthright, yet still failed to light a fire.

Substitutions;

Milos Kerkez – 5.0 (on 56)

Came on.

Cody Gakpo – 5.0 (on 56)

Came on.

Curtis Jones – 5.0 (on 73)

Came on.

Federico Chiesa – 5.0 (on 83)

Came on.

Joe Gomez – 5.0 (on 83)

Came on.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 2.0

The Dutch head coach was always picking the same side, however, the tactics seemed off and this was another subpar example of poor game management.

The substitutions were fruitless.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Manchester City 1 – 1 Liverpool

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