On their comeback to Premier League play, Liverpool were destroyed 4-1 by Man City, with so many of their players once more being unsatisfactory.
The opening goal came from Mo Salah for Liverpool, but City quickly answered with goals from Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Jack Grealish.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Alisson (5/10)
Despite the terrifying scoreline, Alisson has been Liverpool’s top performer this year and was generally a safe pair of hands. The Brazilian’s handling and distribution in confined areas were generally solid, however he was maybe ineligible for Kevin De Bruyne’s goal after lingering on his line.
Alexander-Arnold (4/10)
Trent’s season hasn’t been good, and this performance pretty well sums up his miserable campaign thus far. The right-back failed to have an impact in the attacking third because he was frequently pressed back. He also engaged in needless scuffles with Jack Grealish, who left him exhausted and committed many fouls against him. This guy is still far too sloppy and is a ghost of the one that has dazzled us all for the past four or five years.
Konate (3.5/10)
By the performance of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, Konate’s presence in Liverpool’s defense was greatly welcomed, although he was only competent overall. He was a member of a disorganized defense, and even if his quickness and muscle were occasionally crucial, one errant pass put the Reds in danger before halftime.
Van Dijk (4/10)
Van Dijk, like Konate, performed admirably for the majority of the time at the Etihad, but when you lose 4-1, you must accept part of the responsibility. He appeared more engaged than he did during a listless performance against Bournemouth, for instance, but De Bruyne got in front of him to give the hosts a 2-1 lead, and as the minutes went by, he appeared more and more disoriented. Still not the Van Dijk who previously inspired awe in the Scousers.
Andy Robertson (4/10)
Robertson, who is frequently referred to as Mr. Reliable in Liverpool, was absolutely out of it. His one pass and overall use of it were erratically used, endangering his teammates. He also jumped in on De Bruyne prior to Julian Alvarez’s goal, which caused the entire field to open up. Can be lot better and was rightfully replaced.
Midfielders
Fabinho (4/10)
On Saturday, for approximately ten minutes, it appeared as though Fabinho had aged another ten years during the break! It appeared as though he was well behind the pack after three fouls in a row, but happily, he did improve a little. Although he still isn’t the same force as before and wasn’t at all committed to stopping Ilkay Gundogan’s goal, he produced some crucial interceptions and one crucial block.
Harvey Elliott (6/10)
While Elliott was by far the youngest midfielder on the field, for the majority of the game, he appeared just as experienced as everyone else. He was tactical with the ball when he had it, nearly setting up Mohamed Salah to square for a clear-cut Diogo Jota with a pass, and he chipped in defensively. Although not the most physically demanding, which might be a problem, Liverpool’s finest midfielder that day.
Jordan Henderson (3/10)
This season, Henderson’s lack of legs as well as a general lack of poise have been painfully obvious in his play. The captain much too frequently used a hit-and-hope strategy or was robbed when in possession, and he needed to be much calmer overall and more positionally aware. Another game that demonstrated Henderson’s decline from his peak was this one.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (5/10)
Salah scored the game-winning goal versus City at Anfield earlier this season, and for a brief while on Saturday, it appeared as though he may contribute significantly once more. The storied No. 11 of the Reds put Liverpool ahead with a powerful finish—his 23rd goal of a reportedly “poor” season—but received no further assistance. With his combination of mobility, quickness, and such underappreciated strength, he constantly presented a threat yet received little assistance.
Diogo Jota (4/10)
Jota’s goal drought in the Premier League, which has lasted almost a year, has drawn attention, and he struggled on the left flank versus City. After holding the ball up nicely, he set up Salah for his goal, but his impact was little and City eventually had him under control.
Cody Gakpo (4.5/10)
Although having moments of smooth perfection, Gakpo was one of many people who were at the back of the line as he frequently did. He was awarded offside after having one penalty shout and was denied, but he simply wasn’t effective enough overall. To be honest, he is the least of Liverpool’s issues for the day.
Substitutions
Tsimikas (4/10)
Was scarcely noticeable, but at least somewhat superior to Robertson!
Oxlade-Chamberlain (2/10)
He is a big priority in terms of selling players.
James Milner (NA)
As the game was already done when he entered, he had no opportunity to have an impact against his previous team.
