Man City player ratings vs Liverpool: Who impressed and who did not?

Riyad Mahrez missed a multi-million dollar penalty as the reigning champions played out a goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield. Both the teams threw caution to the winds especially in the second half but neither side had too many clear-cut chances.

Manchester City enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession in the first half but Liverpool showed more composure with the ball at their feet in the second half. It was an evenly contested game and it needed a moment of magic to decide the outcome.

That moment seemed to have arrived when Virgil van Dijk brought down Leroy Sane inside the box with a rather cynical challenge in the dying stages of the game.

Mahrez had the chance to become a hero but the Algerian smashed his spot-kick high and wide above the crossbar. As things shaped up, however, both managers should be happy with a point apiece.

Manchester City Player Ratings

Ederson Moraes (7/10)

Did not have much to do as Liverpool had only two shots on target. Looked confident with his handling of crosses and set up attacks with accurate long balls.

Kyle Walker (7/10)

Did not bomb forward too frequently as he usually does but looked solid defensively.

John Stones (7/10)

The Englishman returned to the starting line-up and defended with a lot of composure. He was very tidy with his passing as well.

Aymeric Laporte (7.5/10)

Did an excellent job with Stones in the heart of the defence; made a few crucial tackles and wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line.

Benjamin Mendy (6.5/10)

Not a particularly good day for the Frenchman going by the standards that he set in the earlier games, lacked the accuracy with his passing and crossing. Nevertheless, a decent performance at the back.

Fernandinho (8/10)

The Brazilian had a really good game and dominated the opposition with his physicality; cut out the attacks from the back and kept the ball moving with some impressive passing.

Bernardo Silva (7.5/10)

Just like his teammates, he had a decent game. He dropped a bit too deep at times to make an impact but showed a lot of energy and intent with the ball at his feet.

David Silva (7/10)

The Spaniard looked sharp with his passing and movement in the midfield and combined effectively with the players up front

Riyad Mahrez (6/10)

Lost his head at the crucial moment as he sent his penalty sailing above the crossbar. Had a decent game and caused a few problems for Robertson but looked a bit sluggish at times.

Raheem Sterling (6/10)

Did not make the impact he usually does. Showed a lot of energy and endeavour down the flanks and narrowed up a bit at times but lacked the end product to speak for his efforts.

Sergio Aguero (6.5/10)

Failed to break his duck at Anfield. Posed a threat with his driving runs and could have had a penalty when Dejan Lovren brought him down.

Read More:- Three key battles as Liverpool take on Man City – including a tussle between this 148-goal superstar and £75m powerhouse

Substitutes

Leroy Sane (6.5/10)

Showed a lot of energy down the left and won the all-important penalty for his team.

Gabriel Jesus (5.5/10)

Misplaced a few of his passes and struggled to get into the game; looked a bit off the pace.