Liverpool moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they eased past Manchester City at Anfield. The Reds dominated from start to finish as Cody Gakpo turned in the opening goal after 12 minutes, before Mohamed Salah put the game to bed from the penalty spot late on.
Arne Slot’s men had chances to win the match by a bigger margin as they piled the pressure on in the final third.
They were wasteful in front of goal but won’t be bothered in the slightest as they put one hand on the Premier League trophy with barely a third of the season gone.
And the home fans even had the opportunity to taunt City boss Pep Guardiola as they sang, “You’re getting sacked in the morning”. Express Sport takes you through the player ratings in the aftermath of the scintillating showdown.
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Liverpool player ratings (4-2-3-1)
Caoimhin Kelleher: 7
Became the first Liverpool keeper in 115 years to save penalties in two consecutive matches with his stop from Kylian Mbappe in midweek. And he continued his fine form against the Citizens, although he was rarely threatened in all honesty.
Was heavily involved in Liverpool’s attacking play and clipped the post with an effort in the first half. City may have had some joy if they had targeted him down their left but didn’t test him enough. Was replaced by Jarell Quansah in the second half.
Joe Gomez: 7
Is known for his versatility and was selected at the heart of the backline ahead of Quansah as he was handed his first league start of the campaign. Would have had more to do If Erling Haaland had matched up with him instead of allowing himself to be marked by Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk: 9
Showed he’s still one of the best defenders in the Premier League as he kept the danger at bay and got the better of Haaland. Had a few chances from corners but wasn’t able to turn the ball in.
Andy Robertson: 7
Still showing signs of his attacking credentials after a difficult start to the season. Played a sumptuous ball through to Gakpo at the start of the second half but the Dutchman couldn’t take advantage.
Ryan Gravenberch: 7
Has performed brilliantly under Arne Slot and produced another fine performance as City could barely get near him. He’s becoming a big part of this Reds team.
Alexis Mac Allister: 8
Whipped in some decent corners in search of Van Dijk’s head and was generally a menace on the ball. Ran his socks off and illustrated his prodigious talents on the ball.
Liverpool’s talisman as usual. Defenders must view him as one of the scariest players they will ever have to play against. Had a golden chance to nudge his side 2-0 ahead just before the hour mark but fired wide. He redeemed himself by holding his nerve from the penalty spot.
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Dominik Szoboszlai: 9
Was instrumental in the centre of the pitch with his physicality and power and controlled the game as he looked to turn defence into attack and push his team forward.
Cody Gakpo: 8
Tried to get into good attacking positions and make things happen in front of goal. Couldn’t really miss when Salah teed him up for the opener but showed his nous with the run in the first place. Put in a good shift before Darwin Nunez came on in his place.
Luis Diaz: 7
Was quiet in the final third and Slot may have been better off selecting Darwin Nunez from the outset. But he won the penalty as he was too quick for Stefan Ortega.
Substitutions
Darwin Nunez: 6
Jarell Quansah: 6
Curtis Jones: 6
Harvey Elliott: 6
