Liverpool
Caoimhin Kelleher He only had one save in the entire match, when Kevin De Bruyne took advantage of a slip by Van Dijk and delivered to keep Liverpool's 11th clean sheet of the season. 7/10
Trent Alexander-Arnold A sublime pass for the first goal was the icing on the cake of a creative and convincing return. Nunes dominated but more problems with Doku. 8
Joe Gomez He softened the blow of Ibrahima Konaté's absence with an assured defensive performance. Another valuable contribution from a true team player. 8
Virgil van Dijk Unlucky with a header against a post, but should have buried his next attempt. He contained Haaland comfortably and got away with his one slip. 8
Andy Robertson He never gave Lewis an inch in an imposing display. Rising careers and excellent distribution completed the package. 8
Ryan Gravenberg Their drive and energy exposed the age difference between the two central midfielders. Coolness under pressure also allowed Liverpool to win that battle. 8
Alexis MacAllister Such an important gear in the slot machine. A brindle, selfless display with flashes of ingenuity that connects the entire system. 8
Mohamed Salah He created one and scored another as he once again boosted Liverpool's title challenge. He always seemed dangerous and, if we are demanding, we should have scored more. 9
Dominik Szoboszlai He justified his inclusion with a superb start, pressing relentlessly and offering a constant threat. He faded in the second half when he crashed to the ground. 8
Cody Gakpo He made the inevitable breakthrough and could have had a hat-trick in the first half as Liverpool repeatedly broke through. The smart move tormented Walker. 8
luis diaz Chances were hard to come by in his central role, but he never stopped, never gave the City defense a moment's peace and got his reward by pouncing to win the penalty. 8
Substitutes: Quansah (for Alexander-Arnold; 73) 6; nuñez (for Gakpo; 73) 7; jones (for Salah; 84) 6; eliot (for Díaz; 90+1) N/A.
city of manchester
Stephen Ortega The change of goalkeeper was Guardiola's big decision. While understandable, it didn't pay off. Unconvincing for Gakpo's first goal and awarded the penalty. 5
Kyle Walker A torrid afternoon. Disconnected with fatal consequences in the first goal and lost possession in the period before Liverpool's second. 4
Ruben Dias The rust showed in the Portuguese international's first game since October 30. Vulnerable long before being surpassed by Núñez in the penalty. 5
Manuel Akanji Another passive presence in City's defense. He stopped too long in front of Salah for the first goal and was careless in possession. 5
Nathan Ake The only City defender who could be satisfied with his contribution. Strong in duels with Salah and several interceptions at the right time. 6
Bernard Silva Part of a constantly outplayed central midfield duo. He lost the ball cheaply and was unable to create in periods when City put pressure on. 5
Ilkay Gundogan Age appears to be catching up with the often influential midfielder on this evidence. Slow, careless in possession and retreated in the 57th minute. 4
Rico Lewis Parked on the right when Guardiola started without wingers and seemed lost. Flooded by Robertson and Gakpo. No impact. 5
Phil Foden He suffered a knee injury early on and struggled throughout. He never hid but, equally, never beat his markers and provided little to Haaland. 5
Matheus Nunes A saving tackle on Gakpo aside, he offered absolutely nothing. Ineffective with the ball and fleeting for most of the 57 minutes he was on the field. A questionable signing. 4
Erling Haaland Where was he? Another anonymous performance at Anfield by the City shooter. Comfortably dominated by Van Dijk. 4
Substitutes: Savinho (for Gundogan; 58) 5; Doku (by Nunes; 57) 6; De Bruyne (by Foden; 79) 5Grealish (by Lewis; 79) 5.
