Liverpool vs Man City player ratings: Alisson endures nightmare on dream day for Phil Foden

Reds’ goalkeeper made multiple errors while Foden scored impressively and recorded a fine assist

Alex Pattle
Sunday 07 February 2021 18:27 GMT
Comments
Goalkeeper Alisson turned in his worst performance in a Liverpool shirt
Goalkeeper Alisson turned in his worst performance in a Liverpool shirt (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool

Alisson – 2: Palmed a Sterling shot to Gundogan – who capitalised by scoring – early in the second half. Then made multiple mistakes trying to play the ball out later in the game, leading to City's second and third goals. Could, perhaps, have done better with Foden's powerful strike.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4: Was beaten by Sterling twice in key moments: ahead of City's penalty and for Gundogan's goal.

Fabinho – 5: Committed a somewhat naive foul on Sterling to give away a penalty.

READ MORE: Premier League table and games by date and time

Jordan Henderson – 5: Another admirable effort at centre-back from the midfielder, given the circumstances, until Foden outfought him for City's second goal.

Andy Robertson – 3: Unusually anonymous for the hosts and three goals came down his side.

Thiago – 5: Booked very early on for a tackle on Gundogan. Was competent but not influential.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 6: Put in a mature performance. Liverpool's best performer – though that doesn't count for much in this case.

Curtis Jones – 6: Not fazed at all by the occasion. Went very close for the Reds before being substituted on 67 minutes.

Mohamed Salah – 6: Winger again looked to be lacking a cutting edge, until he got the better of Dias to win Liverpool's penalty – which he slammed home with authority.

Roberto Firmino – 6: Tested Ederson well with a fantastic half-volley from the edge of the City box in the first half.

Sadio Mane – 5: Far from his most lethal here.

Substitutes: Milner – 5; Shaqiri – 5; Tsimikas – N/A.

Manchester City

Phil Foden (centre) celebrates a fine goal
Phil Foden (centre) celebrates a fine goal (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Ederson – 6: Kicked the ball straight to Mane in the first couple of minutes but quelled any nerves with some fine claims and saves as the match wore on.

Joao Cancelo – 6: Little to criticise in the case of the right-back.

John Stones – 6: Comfortable and confident throughout.

Ruben Dias – 5: A routine afternoon for the centre-back until he made a rare error to allow Salah through on goal – before fouling the winger to give away a penalty.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6: Tidy enough display from the left-back.

Rodri – 6: Composed showing at the base of City's midfield.

Ilkay Gundogan – 8: Missed a first-half penalty but showed tremendous character and quality to respond by scoring twice in the second half. Displayed a phenomenal sense of positioning.

Bernardo Silva – 7: Was moved up top alongside Foden after the break, at which point the midfielder's effectiveness increased. Provided a delightful chipped assist for City's third goal.

Riyad Mahrez – 7: Menacing on the right wing with his drive, dribbling and deliveries.

Phil Foden – 8: Deployed as a false No. 9, the youngster struggled to make much of an impact on the game in the first half. A second-half formation change allowed the midfielder to come into his own, though, and he showed great strength and quality to assist City's second goal before scoring with a powerful effort late on.

Raheem Sterling – 8: Saw plenty of the ball and terrorised Alexander-Arnold, beating the defender ahead of City's penalty and for Gundogan's goal.

Substitutes: Jesus – 7.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in