Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City and Liverpool played out an enthralling 1-all draw at Anfield. The draw means Arsenal sit top of the Premier League with 64 points. They lead Liverpool on goal difference who also have 64 points. City sits in third a point back on 63 points.
John Stones opener in the 23rd minute was cancelled out by Alexis MacAllister’s 50th-minute penalty. In truth, Jurgen Klopp’s side was probably the better side for the majority of the game. Pep Guardiola’s side made a fast start to the contest but the hosts pressing did unsettle City’s rhythm as the game went on.
The introduction of Mateo Kovacic in the 69th minute did give the visitors control in midfield. Up until that point Liverpool had seized control of the game and City struggled to get a foothold in the contest during the second half. It may have been a different game had the Croatian started the contest.
Both teams had a plethora of chances late to take all three points. Manchester City hit the bar twice through Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku. Liverpool were denied by one fantastic save by Stefan Ortega in the second half to deny Darwin Nunez. They also squandered a host of good chances when they had Manchester City on the back foot.
Come the final whistle to two teams couldn’t be separated. Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s final Premier League meeting ended in a draw which sets up an enthralling title race with Arsenal sitting top of the table currently.
City player ratings
Ederson-5/10: Gave away a costly penalty but in truth, it was Ake’s poor back pass that sold him short but he did make a rash challenge on Darwin Nunez. Injured himself in the subsequent challenge on Nunez and had to be substituted.
Kyle Walker-5/10: The City captain made some crucial interventions at the back but was also erratic when in possession. A mixed bag from the City captain.
John Stones-7/10: Scored City’s opener after a brilliant set piece routine. Did his job at the back but wasn’t as influential in possession as in previous games.
Manuel Akanji-7/10: Eyebrows were raised when Akanji started over Ruben Dias. The Swiss international did his job at the back in the face of a Liverpool onslaught in the second half.
Nathan Ake-5/10: His poor back pass gifted Liverpool a chance from the penalty spot which they converted. Not his best performance on the day.
Rodri-6.5/10: City’s midfield general toiled away but was left overwhelmed at times by Liverpool’s press. He wasn’t City’s worst player on the day.
Kevin De Bruyne-6.5/10: Provided a clever assist for City’s opener and was probably City’s best attacking option until Liverpool dominated the game after John Stones opener. Substituted as Pep Guardiola tried to gain some control of the game.
Bernardo Silva-6/10: Another player who struggled in the face of the host’s pressure. Never stopped trying but couldn’t affect the game.
Julian Alvarez-4/10: A poor performance from Alvarez. Gave away possession and allowed Liverpool to counter with regularity. In truth should’ve been substituted earlier than he was.
Phil Foden-6.5/10: Foden threatened to win City the game at times but his finishing wasn’t at his usual high standards. Never stopped trying to his credit.
Erling Haaland-5/10: Was a spectator for the majority but still could’ve won his team all three points. Lacked service which ultimately he thrives on.
Substitutes
Stefan Ortega-7/10: Was introduced after Ederson picked up an injury. He stood tall in a hostile environment and made one crucial save.
Jeremy Doku-6.5/10: Hit the bar late and did provide City with an outlet. Also could’ve conceded a penalty late on another day. Did look better than previous outings so that’s a positive for Doku.
Mateo Kovacic-7/10: Came on with Liverpool dominating the midfield. Gave City control at a vital stage and you can’t help but wonder how the game would’ve turned out if was introduced sooner.
