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Nick juddTransfer writer
Liverpool enjoyed an electric start against title rival Manchester City, but Jurgen Klopp’s men were forced to settle for a point after a 1-1 draw.
Having lost a lot in their last two visits to the Etihad Stadium, Liverpool got off to a positive start and attacked in numbers. Mohamed Salah gave the visitors a well-deserved lead from the penalty spot after Kyle Walker knocked down Sadio Mane in the box, and the Reds continued to dominate until Kevin De Bruyne moved higher up the field.
City tied when Gabriel Jesus spun six pence at the expense of Trent Alexander-Arnold inside the area, the Brazilian hitting the ball with an expert shot. The home team had a great opportunity to take the lead when it was determined that Joe Gomez had handled the ball, but De Bruyne could only drag his shot off the post.
A much tighter second half saw fewer opportunities and the game slowly died down.
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Positive
Liverpool outscored City for the first 20-25 minutes and looked brilliant every time they ventured forward. City simply couldn’t handle the Reds’ four-front attack until Pep Guardiola modified his own formation.
Negative
Liverpool’s attacking capabilities faded in the second half as Roberto Firmino’s withdrawal saw them unable to tie the game that well. They only got more careless as the match progressed.
Manager rating out of 10
7 – Jurgen Klopp talked about “being brave” in an effort to get something out of the game, including Diogo Jota, Firmino, Sane and Salah in what appeared to be a 4-2-4 formation. City were able to expose the two-man midfield at times, but Liverpool were able to bring the game home. However, Klopp was wrong in replacing Firmino; Xherdan Shaqiri fought in a deeper position when a more natural midfielder might have been a better option.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players submitted after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 8 – The Brazilian opened wide to deny Raheem Sterling from close range, then showed excellent hands to claim a low cross from Ferran Torres at the edge of the break.
DF Trent Alexander Arnold, 6 years old – He was caught by the wrong side of Jesus for the City tie, as the Brazilian was able to turn and put a toe on the ball when in reality Alexander-Arnold should have been on the goal side. He was sent off due to injury in the second half.
DF Joel Matip, 7 – He made an excellent sliding intervention to prevent Sterling from running towards goal and looked determined as he ran into midfield with the ball at his feet. It could be crucial for Liverpool if they can keep it fit.
DF Joe Gomez, 6 – He was judged to have blocked the ball with his hand from a center on the right side, and City received a penalty as a result. His passing was excellent, but his defense was sometimes sloppy.
DF Andy Robertson, 6 years The Scotsman was solid on defense and led the overlap on several occasions. His journey was superb at times.
MF Jordan Henderson, 8 – A typically heartbreaking performance from the skipper, who was all over the pitch. He made an excellent tackle to deny De Bruyne from 30 yards at one point and was more than equal to the scheming Belgian.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 8 – TThe Dutchman’s efforts were excellent when you consider that Liverpool played with just two midfielders for much of the game. He rarely gave the ball away and it was everywhere.
FW Diogo Jota, 7 – He was unlucky not to get a close rebound when Ederson saved from Alexander-Arnold, but the City keeper managed to recover just in time. He came close again after the break, but couldn’t get enough power in his shot. His movement and positional awareness were excellent.
FROM Roberto Firmino, 7 – The Brazilian started alongside Jota in an attack of four and his importance to the team was magnified after his departure, when the Reds were unable to maintain possession so easily.
FW Sadio Mane, 7 – Mane was a constant source of inspiration, particularly when cutting from the left side. He showed an electric change of pace that was too much for Kyle Walker, who dropped him for a penalty, which Salah subsequently converted. He was back at the center of things when he took the wrong side of Ruben Dias.
FW Mohamed Salah, 7 – He stepped up to give Liverpool the lead from the penalty spot and always worked tirelessly to prevent City defenders from passing Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan in City midfield. He held the ball well to give Alexander-Arnold a chance to shoot at the edge of the break.
Substitutes
MF Xherdan Shaqiri, 5 years old – He came to replace Firmino, and Liverpool struggled to pass the ball with equal fluency in Firmino’s absence. Shaqiri was asked to play in a deeper position and it didn’t quite work out.
DF James Milner, 6 years old Always reliable, he replaced the injured Alexander-Arnold and while he couldn’t offer the same attacking presence, he was solid at tackle and was able to keep Sterling calm.
