Despite a gruelling trip to Istanbul on Thursday and an injury plagued squad, Liverpool showed absolutely no signs of post-Europa League fatigue in this pulsating encounter. Many would have taken a point before kick-off, but a classy display and two sublime goals from Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho earned a fantastic 3 points. Here’s how I rated our individual performances.
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
This was a slight step down from his recent fantastic displays. Although there were no howlers, Mignolet’s kicking was slightly suspect and he was hesitant coming to claim the ball early on. Nonetheless, he recovered well and there was nothing he could do about Dzeko’s finish from close range.
Emre Can – 7/10
Back in the right centre back position after playing in midfield against Besiktas on Thursday, Can had a solid game. He read the play well, got forward in support of the attack (especially later on) and was generally a strong, robust presence at the back. His positioning could have been better for Dzeko’s goal, but it was a superbly disguised pass from Aguero so it’s hard to place blame on the German.
Martin Skrtel – 7/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Skrtel is playing some of his best football in a Liverpool shirt these days. His rashness and tendency to make costly mistakes has been absent since the implementation of the 3-4-3 system where he is a sturdy presence in the centre of the back three. This was another no-nonsense, warrior-like performance by the big Slovakian and he made sure City hardly had a sniff at goal. He was perhaps slightly caught on his heels to allow Dzeko through to score the equaliser but sometimes you have to accept a beautifully crafted goal from the opposition.
Dejan Lovren – 7/10
With Sakho not yet fit to return, Lovren got another chance in the starting line up it was very pleasing to see Lovren bounce back with a solid defensive performance following the severe disappointment of his vital missed penalty in midweek. Despite a couple of shaky moments at the start, Lovren grew into the game and made some excellent tackles and interceptions, although his passing was a mixed bag; some very accurate, some horribly misplaced.
Lazar Markovic – 5/10
It was an on and off performance for Markovic. Replacing the injured Jordon Ibe at right wing back, the Serb looked lost at times in the first half, often dribbling into trouble and surrendering possession. His decision making in the final third leaves much to be desired, although he showed a glimpse of his quality with a delightful chipped pass for Lallana in the first half which could easily have resulted in a goal.
Joe Allen – 8/10
This was the best I’ve ever seen Allen play for Liverpool. Along with Henderson, he dominated the midfield against Fernandinho and Yaya Toure, despite their physical superiority. The diminutive Welshman performed out of his skin, reading the game superbly and cutting out multiple City attacks. He got stuck in, won tackles and his passing was crisp and accurate, finding a forward ball rather than the easy option which he has been prone to in the past. More of the same please, Joe!
Jordan Henderson – 8/10
That’s what I call a proper captain’s performance. Henderson returned from a minor ankle injury and showcased just why he’s the man to inherit the armband from Gerrard next season. It was a dynamic, feisty display by Henderson who proved formidable in central midfield, nullifying Yaya Toure’s influence on proceedings and controlling the tempo with ease. His opening goal was a terrific solo effort, dropping the shoulder to manoeuvre some space 25 yards out before curling an unstoppable strike into the top corner in Gerrard-esque fashion.
Alberto Moreno – 5/10
Moreno has been excellent recently but he struggled on this occasion. Zabaleta had the better of him whenever the Spaniard ventured forward, whilst he committed a couple of avoidable fouls in key areas, and his crossing wasn’t as accurate as it could have been. Not his strongest game by any means.
Adam Lallana – 8/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Although he didn’t score, Lallana was unlucky to put the ball in the back of the net twice, both of which were disallowed. His overall contribution was outstanding, relentlessly pressing City’s back line and producing some fine link up play with Sterling and Coutinho, showing some wonderful touches. His energy and desire epitomised Liverpool’s hunger for victory.
Philippe Coutinho – 9/10
After being rested in midweek, a fully fit Coutinho was a massive boost today. He was sensational throughout, taking players on and beating them with ease as he waltzed through City’s non-existent midfield. He stole the ball off Fernandinho in the build up to the first goal, and won the match with yet another 25 yard beauty, which is becoming something of a habit for the Brazilian. Now he’s added shooting to his locker, his potential is frightening.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Starting in a central striker’s role, Sterling had a mixed game. He struggled to find space around the penalty box and was kept relatively quiet for the most part, although he nearly scored a fantastic team goal just before half time after linking up perfectly with Lallana before a last ditch tackle prevented him from slotting home. He did, however, provide both assists for the goals, although you’d have to say it was far more down to the quality of the finishes from Henderson and Coutinho that made it count.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge – 6/10
After a tough 105 minutes against Besiktas, Rodgers wisely gave Sturridge a rest here, bringing him on for the final 15 minutes. His movement immediately caused problems for City, and he could have had a couple of goals in this brief cameo if his finishing were slightly sharper. He should be fully ready to start against Burnley on Wednesday.
Kolo Toure – N/A
Competing against his younger brother, Toure replaced Moreno for the final few minutes and helped see the game out, clearing his lines and getting the ball up-field towards the end in order to help run the clock down.
Red Regista
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