Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points with an impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
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The Reds dominated the first half, with Virgil van Dijk striking the post early, and Cody Gakpo opening the scoring from close range.
City had a sluggish start and only managed one scuffed strike in the first 45 minutes, avoiding their first shot-less half in 14 years.
City showed signs of improvement after the break, but a mistake sent Mohamed Salah through on goal. However, Salah missed a one-on-one chance. The introduction of Jeremy Doku helped City settle into the game, but it was too late for Pep Guardiola’s side.
A defensive mix-up led to a penalty when Stefan Ortega fouled Luis Diaz in the box. Salah stepped up and converted the penalty, sealing the win for Liverpool.
With Arsenal and Chelsea closest to Liverpool in the standings, City now finds themselves 11 points behind in fifth place.
Liverpool Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
- Caoimhin Kelleher (8.1/10): A solid performance between the sticks.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (8.0/10): Provided stability at the back and creativity in attack.
- Joe Gomez (7.3/10): Solid defensive performance, though occasionally caught out.
- Virgil van Dijk (7.3/10): Strong in defense, unlucky to not score after hitting the post.
- Andy Robertson (7.2/10): Reliable defensively and linked well with the attack.
- Ryan Gravenberch (7.5/10): Dominant in midfield, breaking up play effectively.
- Alexis Mac Allister (7.7/10): Calm and composed, playing a pivotal role in midfield.
- Mohamed Salah (8.3/10): Scored the crucial second goal and was a constant threat.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (8.1/10): Impressive in creating chances and controlling the tempo.
- Cody Gakpo (7.6/10): Took his goal well and was a threat throughout.
- Luis Diaz (7.3/10): Worked hard and contributed offensively, though not clinical.
- Darwin Nunez (6.5/10): Came on and provided energy and press in the final stages.
- Jarell Quansah (5.8/10): A late substitute, didn’t have much impact.
- Curtis Jones (N/A): Only a brief appearance.
- Harvey Elliott (N/A): Also came on late with little to do.
Man City Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
- Stefan Ortega (7.1/10): Made key saves but couldn’t prevent the loss.
- Kyle Walker (7.2/10): Solid defensively but struggled in attack.
- Manuel Akanji (6.5/10): Caught out defensively on occasion.
- Ruben Dias (6.8/10): Defended well but was part of a shaky defensive line.
- Nathan Ake (7.4/10): Defended well and offered some attacking contributions.
- Rico Lewis (6.7/10): Not at his best, struggled to control the midfield.
- Ilkay Gundogan (6.5/10): Played a bit too deep and lacked influence.
- Bernardo Silva (7.4/10): Tried to create but couldn’t find the key moments.
- Phil Foden (5.7/10): Quiet performance, unable to make an impact.
- Matheus Nunes (6.0/10): Struggled in a difficult game.
- Erling Haaland (6.2/10): Was largely anonymous and unable to get into the game.
- Jeremy Doku (6.9/10): Added some spark when introduced, but it was too late.
- Savinho (6.3/10): Came on but didn’t manage to influence the match.
- Kevin De Bruyne (6.2/10): Subbed in but failed to turn the game in City’s favor.
- Jack Grealish (6.1/10): Did not make a significant impact after coming on.
Player of the Match: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
