Image Credit: Premier League
By Lee Clow
07 February 2021 | Premier League
Manchester City hit four past Liverpool at Anfield as they increased their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool:
1: Alisson Becker - 0/10
Very poor night for the Brazilian. Was at fault with the first three goals and looked a shadow of his normal self.
66: Trent Alexander Arnold - 5/10
Recently come back into form and looked bright in the first half. Constantly got down the right flank and put in dangerous crosses. Was exploited positionally however by Sterling which led to the first goal.
14: Jordan Henderson - 5/10
Look comfortable at the back in the first half, but Liverpool were soon exploited in the second half. Could not rally his troops after the Alisson mistakes.
3: Fabinho - 4/10
Clumsily gave the penalty away and occasionally would get caught by City’s pace. Poor day for the Brazilian, but luckily not the worst Brazilian tonight.
26: Andrew Robertson - 5/10
Bombed down the left as expected, but less effective than usual. Caught out by Foden when he moved over to the right.
6: Thiago - 5/10
Was on the pitch for 67 minutes, but failed to control the middle of the park. Still lacking some fitness issues and out of position.
5: Georginio Wijnaldum - 5/10
The Dutch midfielder burst forward well in the first half, but lacked any final product, often going back. The midfielder was invisible in the second half.
17: Curtis Jones - 5/10
Big game for the young lad but he didn’t falter. Looked comfortable in midfield and dealt with City well. Taken off after 67 minutes.
11: Mohammed Salah - 6/10
Was very quiet in the first half, but the Egyptian was more alive in the second half. Great run and spin to win the penalty against Dias and was never in doubt when standing over the ball on the spot.
9: Roberto Firmino - 5/10
Saw his volley kept out well by Ederson in the first half, but a fairly quiet night for the Brazilian.
10: Sadio Mane - 4/10
Should’ve scored from Alexander Arnold’s cross in the first half. Looked off the pace today.
Substitutions:
23: Xherdan Shaqiri - 2/10
Came on for Thiago but offered nothing.
7: James Milner - 2/10
Came in for Jones to add some experience to the midfield, however Alisson’s mistake took a huge toll on the whole side.
Manchester City:
31: Ederson - 7/10
Certainly the better of the two goalkeepers tonight. Could not do much with the penalty, but was alert on his line and dealt with most balls.
27: Joao Cancelo - 7/10
Did his job and dealt with Mane very well. Went under the radar.
5: John Stones - 8/10
Comfortable night for Stones at the back. Was hardly troubled and was unfortunate to be offside with his goal.
3: Ruben Dias - 6/10
Looked comfortable at the back until the penalty. Was completely spun by Salah and was clumsy in his challenge.
35: Alexander Zinchenko - 6/10
Struggled positionally with Salah and Alexander Arnold running down the right but he wasn’t made to pay for it in the first half. Looked much better in the second half.
16: Rodri - 7/10
Quiet night in midfield, but did his job well for Manchester City.
8: Ilkay Gundogon - 9/10
Arguably Manchester City’s player of the year so far. Terrible penalty kick in the first half, got right underneath the ball and never looked like scoring, but redeemed himself by scoring two in the second half
20: Bernardo Silva - 7/10
Not his best performance, but put in a good shift for Pep Guardiola. Cleverly won the ball back from Alisson and assisted Sterling for the third goal.
26: Rhyiad Mahrez - 6/10
Looked bright initially, but he did not see enough of the ball to make a difference. Was taken off for Jesus.
47: Phil Foden - 9/10
Quiet first half, but grew immensely in the game. Was involved with the first and second goals and even got in on the act for the fourth with a spectacular effort. MOTM, very special player.
7: Raheem Sterling - 8/10
Won the penalty with quick feet and was involved in the build up to the opener in the second half. Exploited the space vacated by Alexander Arnold when the full back would venture forward.
Substitutions:
33: Gabriel Jesus - 6/10
Came on for Mahrez in the second half and allowed Foden to drift out wide and dictate the game. Assisted Foden for City’s fourth.
What’s next?
Both sides return to league action next Saturday as Liverpool take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, while Manchester City host Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.
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