PLAYER RATINGS: Joe Gomez steps up in defence for Liverpool
26.12.2022defeated 1-0 at Anfield this afternoon thanks to Mo Salah’s slick second half finish.
In an intense tactical battle, the Egyptian pounced on an error from to run through and slot past in a feisty affair that saw Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp sent off.
The result ends City’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season, and gives Liverpool a much-needed boost after a poor run of form.
Sportsmail’s Jack Gaughan rated both teams’ players after the game.
Mo Salah’s second half goal was enough to earn Liverpool a 1-0 win over Manchester City
Joe Gomez (right) marshalled Erling Haaland (left) well to keep the form man quiet at Anfield
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Two huge second-half moments: a decent save from Erling Haaland website and then an assist for the winner.7.5
James Milner Set the tone well against Phil Foden early doors and stuck to his task, with City rarely isolating the veteran. 7
Joe Gomez Strong recovering when his full back was in danger and commanded after stepping in for the injured Ibrahima Konate.8.5
Gomez was the man-of-the-match at Anfield as he stepped into the team for Ibrahima Konate
Alisson (left) and Virgil van Dijk (right) put in arguably their best performances of the season
Virgil van Dijk Haaland might have scored but Van Dijk answered his critics and completed a goal-saving header late on. 7.5
Andrew Robertson City attempted to overload their right-hand side but Robertson soundly stood up to that problem.7
Thiago Not able to get himself on the ball enough, although the Spaniard got through plenty of defensive screening. 6.5
Thiago (second right) struggled to get on the ball but carried out his defensive duties well
Fabinho Big blocks and interceptions during a robust midfield performance as Liverpool sat deeper than originally envisaged.7
Harvey Elliott Some silky touches from the right wing, particularly when breaking the lines to slip in Diogo Jota. 6.5
Roberto Firmino Largely on the periphery, although did link play expertly at times when breaking with Mohamed Salah.6
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Diogo Jota Put in a proper shift. May feel that he could have given the hosts the lead when heading wide.
7
Mohamed Salah Buoyed by his midweek exploits, Salah was the most dangerous threat and coolly netted the winner. 8
Salah was on target to score the decisive goal after missing a golden opportunity earlier on
Subs
Darwin Nunez (Firmino 72) 5.5
Jordan Henderson (Fabinho 73) 6
Fabio Carvalho (Elliott 73) 6
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Salah 90)
Tsmimikas (Jota 90)
Subs not used: Kelleher, Jones, Bajcetic, Phillips
Manager — Jurgen Klopp The crowd fed off his personality on the touchline on a day that could kickstart their season. Sent off for hurling abuse at a linesman. 7
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was sent off in the second half for abusing the linesman
Manchester City (3-3-3-1)
Ederson Often criticised for his shot stopping but produced a super save to thwart Salah just after half-time.7
Manuel Akanji Frustrated team-mates with his distribution at times and gave away a couple of unnecessary free kicks. 5
Ruben Dias Seemed in a daze after the break.City lost control at the back as a collective with Dias in the middle. 5.5
Nathan Ake The more composed of City’s back three as he continues to impress. Calmly dealt with tricky situations.7
Joao Cancelo Horrendous error for Salah’s goal, misjudging the flight of the long ball forward. Not great going forward. 4.5
Joao Cancelo (right) made a huge error that led to Salah’s goal and was poor going forward
Rodri Strong afternoon in breaking up any potential attacks and did the simple things well as expected.7
Bernardo Silva In his normal deeper role after pre-match talk of playing off the right. Industrious alongside Rodri. 7
Kevin De Bruyne Uncharacteristically subdued, potentially a product of being asked to play wider than normal.5.5
Kevin De Bruyne, who was playing wider than normal, was uncharacteristically quiet
Ilkay Gundogan The extra man in midfield that moved De Bruyne wide.Tidy enough yet did not impose himself fully. 6
Phil Foden Thought he had netted the opener. Livelier in the second half after a conservative opening period.7
Erling Haaland Always a threat, even when not obviously involved. Liverpool managed him well although Haaland almost had a say. 6
Haaland was always a threat and almost found the net but couldn’t break Liverpool’s back line
Referee Anthony Taylor (right) made some questionable decisions for both teams at Anfield
Subs
Julian Alvarez (Gundogan 89)
Subs not used: Ortega, Grealish, Laporte, Alvarez, Gomez, Mahrez, Palmer, Lewis, Wilson-Esbrand
Manager — Pep Guardiola Altered City’s usual gameplan with a change in formation and lost the game but will feel they controlled proceedings for much of the afternoon. 6
Referee — Anthony Taylor It felt like the entire of Anfield were left aghast at Taylor’s performance.He let the game flow but there were questionable decisions throughout. 5