Thursday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round match between Liverpool and Man City ended in a 3-2 loss for the Reds, but many Liverpool players still displayed strong play.
Carabao Cup (4th round)- Liverpool player Ratings vs Man City
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Caoimhin Kelleher (6.5/10)
Kelleher started in place of Alisson at the Etihad because of his earlier heroics for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. Despite making three mistakes, the young Irishman put on another confident display, including one outstanding save with his legs to stop Ilkay Gundogan. Soon after, he stopped Nathan Ake as well, and he displayed flawless handling the entire time.
James Milner (6.5/70)
Milner was needed as a backup right-back, as has seemed to be the case for years. Cole Palmer mistreated the 36-year-old throughout the first half, despite the fact that he did set up Fabio Carvalho’s equalizer with an assist. Before halftime, Liverpool’s injured player left the pitch; their fitness problems just won’t go away.
Joel Matip (7/10)
The center-back played admirably against City, winning the ball early and contributing significantly to Carvalho’s goal with a threaded pass into a high-danger zone. Even though there were a few scattered moments of rustiness on and off the ball, the defense was strong overall.
Joe Gomez (5.5/10)
The more times Gomez appears, the more it seems like her prime may have already passed. Despite his natural talent, he lacks a true defensive head and made a poor switch-off for Erling Haaland’s first goal. After Milner went hurt, did better at right-back, although there are serious questions about his long-term value.
Andy Robertson (6.5/10)
Before the World Cup, Robertson was in excellent shape, and on Thursday night, he was just as dependable as always. Nothing particularly impressive was on display, although he occasionally outplayed Riyad Mahrez and attacked well when the chance presented itself. However, he didn’t get near enough to Mahrez to score, costing him a point.
Midfielders
Stefan Bajcetic (6/10)
Bajcetic was given only his second Liverpool start and was hoping to build on his already-impressive resume. But he had a difficult time playing since he was up against a very skilled midfield that includes Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Gundogan. Carvalho was composed in possession and caught one magnificent long ball that stood out, but he found it difficult to prevail in the physical and strategic duel.
Thiago (7.5/10)
Although it was wrong for Thiago to be left out of Spain’s World Cup, Liverpool benefited from his continued freshness during the last month. With the occasional moment of crazy in possession, he was steady against Pep Guardiola’s team and made some of his signature flashy touches and passes. A key player between now and the season’s conclusion.
Harvey Elliott (7/10)
This was a significant test for Elliott, who has been among the Reds’ best performers so far this season, to prove his mettle in the middle of the field. The teen eventually grew into the game after initially having trouble getting into it, utilizing the ball wisely and attempting to add cunning. It by no means is his best performance, but he now seems more like a part of the squad than just a young prospect.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (6.5/10)
Salah must have been anxious to go back to work, but he was forced to put up with being fed leftovers for most of the night. He consistently worried City’s defense and made smart runs into risky situations, but most of the time it was in vain. But early in the second half, he prodded in his 171st goal for Liverpool to make it 2-2.
Fabio Carvalho (6/10)
Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are both out for the foreseeable future due to injuries, thus Carvalho may start seeing regular playing time soon. The youthful player equalized with a fine finish to quiet the home fans after being on the sidelines for the first 20 minutes and seeming physically frail. However, his participation remained sporadic, and during the intermission, he was replaced.
Darwin Nunez (6/10)
Nunez was in charge of the line versus City, hoping to maintain the solid play that earned him Player of the Month honors in November. The Uruguayan’s raw character was on display that night, though, as he missed the target three times when he should have at least made one. Although he assisted Salah’s goal, his quickness and strength always made him a threat, and in such important games, more is required.
Substitutes
Nat Phillips (6.5/10)
The Bolton Baresi performed admirably overall and made one outstanding tackle on Haaland that he will be able to share with the grandkids.
Jordan Henderson (6/10)
Occasionally linked up down the right, though seldom observed.
Fabinho (6.5/10)
A furious performance by the Brazilian, who briefly fought Rodri.
