Match Report and Player Ratings: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City (Premier League)

Manchester City earned a point away to Premier League title rivals Liverpool at Anfield Sunday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side came into the affair looking for just their second win at Anfield since the Catalan took over as City boss, a victory that would have seen City leapfrog both Liverpool and Arsenal into first place in the Premier League.

Things didn’t quite go to plan for the visitors however, despite taking a first-half lead through John Stones after the centre-back was picked out by Kevin De Bruyne from a well-worked corner-kick.

City looked in total control heading towards half-time, taking a much-deserved lead with them into the break to rest and recuperate.

Capitulation ensued from the reigning Premier League champions after the restart however, kicked off by a bad Nathan Ake back-pass which forced Ederson to come flying off his line and foul the onrushing Darwin Nunez.

The referee was forced to award Liverpool a penalty-kick, which was calmly dispatched by Alexis Mac Allister to reclaim parity and swing the momentum in Liverpool’s favour.

That momentum never really swung back towards City, though the Blues did fancy a few half-chances to steal a crucial victory. Luckily for Guardiola’s men, the hosts couldn’t take their chances at the other end, and both sides settled for a point.

The result sees Manchester City sit two points behind league leaders Arsenal, while Liverpool are only one point behind the Gunners.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6

The goalkeeper played a role in the giving away the penalty that allowed Liverpool avenue back into the match, and was eventually subbed off through injury.

Kyle Walker – 6

Walker was extra chaotic at Anfield, as were most of the City players.

John Stones – 8 (MOTM)

Stones scored the goal and was superb when stepping into midfield from defence.

Manuel Akanji – 7

Didn’t really put a foot wrong.

Nathan Ake – 6

Was quiet and dealt with Liverpool’s pace well up until his back-pass lead to City conceding a penalty.

Rodri – 7

A typical showing from Rodri.

Julian Alvarez – 5

Was arguably the worst player on the pitch for both sides. It’s becoming clear that he is not a press-resistant player like the other attacking players in the City squad.

Bernardo Silva – 6

Had his usual moments of magic but seemed far more emotional than we are used to.

Phil Foden – 7

Foden was City’s best attacker and probably should have had one or two goals of his own. Some better finishing would have seen him finish with a higher rating.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6

Arguably his worst performance since returning from injury.

Erling Haaland – 6

Barely involved.

Substitutes

Stefan Ortega Moreno – 7

Came in to replace Ederson and did quite well.

Mateo Kovacic – 7

Helped City regain some control alongside Rodri.

Jeremy Doku – 7

Created a couple of chances against tired legs and was unlucky not to score.