Manchester City faced another difficult day at Anfield, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. This match showcased the defensive struggles and lack of creativity in City's game.
Cody Gakpo's early goal and Mohamed Salah's second-half penalty sealed the win for Liverpool, leaving City far behind in the title race with a scoreline Liverpool 2-0 Man City.
Despite some improvement in the second half, City lacked control and failed to capitalise on key opportunities. Thus, Pep Guardiola succumbed to Arne Slot in this Crucial Liverpool vs Man City Premier League match.
So, how did the Citizens fare in this all important Liverpool vs Man City game? Here are the Man City player ratings vs Liverpool in their 2-0 loss at Anfield in the Premier League.
Man City player ratings vs Liverpool - Premier League (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper:Stefan Ortega (4/10)
Started in place of Ederson. Looked solid early but conceded a penalty after a rash challenge on Luis Diaz in this Liverpool vs Man City game.
Right Back: Kyle Walker (2/10)
Failed to track Cody Gakpo for the first goal. Made a poor clearance that led to the penalty incident.
Centre Back: Ruben Dias (4/10)
Returned to the team but struggled to lift the defence. Made some good blocks but contributed to the penalty mistake in this Liverpool vs Man City Premier League game.
Centre Back:Manuel Akanji (3/10)
Was sloppy in possession and allowed Mohamed Salah too much space. His mistakes almost led to more Liverpool goals.
Left Back Nathan Ake (4/10)
Made a solid tackle on Salah and added stability to the left side. However, he was not impactful overall.
Defensive Midfielder: Bernardo Silva (4/10)
Had a better second half but failed to influence the game consistently in this Liverpool vs Man City game.
Defensive Midfielder: Ilkay Gundogan (3/10)
Struggled in the holding midfield role. Found it hard to handle Liverpool's pressing game.
Right Winger: Rico Lewis (4/10)
Worked hard but missed a great chance to score. His shot lacked power and precision.
Attacking Midfielder: Phil Foden (4/10)
Had minimal impact in attack. Failed to trouble Liverpool's defence in this Liverpool vs Man City Premier League game.
Left Winger: Matheus Nunes (5/10)
Worked hard defensively and made a crucial tackle on Cody Gakpo. Was booked for a reckless challenge on Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Centre Forward: Erling Haaland (3/10)
Was completely marked out of the game by Virgil van Dijk. Did not create or take any meaningful chances.
Man City substitutes vs Liverpool
Jeremy Doku (5/10) - Nunes 57’
Provided energy and looked like City's best chance of creating something in the final third.
Savinho (4/10) - Gundogan 58’
Added flair but lacked the end product. Could not change the outcome of the match.
Jack Grealish (4/10) - Lewis 79’
Showed glimpses of creativity but none of his efforts led to real chances.
Kevin De Bruyne (5/10) - Foden 79’
Missed a great chance after an error by Virgil van Dijk. His influence was limited.
Man City manager vs Liverpool
Pep Guardiola (2/10)
His decisions to bench Ederson and Josko Gvardiol backfired. Tactics seemed overly cautious and lacked ambition.
Man City player ratings vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Starting XI - Ortega (4/10); Walker (2/10), Dias (4/10), Akanji (3/10), Ake (4/10); Silva (4/10), Gundogan (3/10); Lewis (4/10), Foden (4/10), Nunes (5/10); Haaland (2/10). Substitutes - Doku (5/10), Savinho (4/10), Grealish (4/10), De Bruyne (5/10). Manager - Guardiola (2/10)
What are your Man City player ratings vs Liverpool in their 2-0 loss at Anfield in the Premier League?