Manchester City vs Liverpool player ratings: Error-prone Alisson survives Etihad scare

Alisson did not enjoy his best afternoon between the sticks – Getty Images/Michael Regan

It was honours even at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home a late equaliser for Liverpool having trailed to a first-half goal from Erling Haaland.

Haaland and Alexander-Arnold may have taken the plaudits, but not every player on the pitch showered themselves in glory. So, who impressed and who went missing in action?

Understudy to Alisson for Brazil but his distribution and handling was as slick and assured as that of his compatriot was sloppy and insecure. A low, speared, curling 40-yard pass to Bernardo was the pick of the bunch. 8/10

There was the odd rash decision that did not impress Guardiola but the England defender is producing a high level of consistency this season. 7/10

Very much back to being City’s defensive lynchpin these days. Exudes authority at the back. It’s hard to believe he is still only 26. Should not have had a second half goal ruled out. 8/10

Could not have imagined how easily he was allowed to amble past Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai to tee up Haaland to score. A model of quiet consistency. 8/10

Kept City ticking over nicely and Liverpool’s midfield, which went through various iterations, never found a way of adequately neutralising the Spaniard. 7/10

Harshly penalised for a foul on Alisson in the second half. Asked to perform the John Stones role by stepping into midfield alongside Rodri. Dependable as usual. 7/10

Will have been disappointed not to have done more with his shot after being presented with a golden chance by Alvarez early on. 6/10

Not an easy task to start a game of this intensity after a long trek back from South America in midweek. Willing but well below his best.  6/10

City’s Portuguese magician loves playing against Liverpool. Stick him anywhere on the pitch and he will excel. An enduring ability to make time feel like its standing still. The best midfielder on show. 8/10

The game’s man of the match. Quickly becoming a household favourite at City and it is easy to see why. Liverpool had no answer to his cunning and relentless running. 8/10

Erling Haaland

Became the fastest player in Premier League history to 50 goals, reached that milestone in 17 games fewer than Andy Cole. How City could have done with him scoring that chance before Liverpool equalised. 7/10

Liverpool (4-3-3)Alisson

There were shades of February 2021 at Anfield here. Error prone in possession early on and fortunate Dias’ “goal” was chalked off after he spilled the corner but made a vital save moments before Liverpool’s equaliser. 5/10

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Enjoyed shushing the City fans with a superbly taken equaliser. Won possession 10 times and a threat going forward despite the occasional difficult moment against Doku. 7/10

With Alexander-Arnold often stepping into midfield, Matip was often lumbered with the thankless task of trying to stifle Doku. Made some good forays forward. 6/10

Virgil van Dijk

Seemed to enjoy his battle with Haaland. Switched the play well on occasions and would have hoped for more from his midfield and attack. 7/10

Not given much opportunity to get forward but stuck to his defensive responsibilities against Foden well. A solid showing. 7/10

Dominik Szoboszlai

Started brightly and looked a threat going forward but faded as the game went on and, together with Alexander-Arnold, allowed Ake past him far too easily in the lead up to Haaland’s goal. 6/10

Klopp was unhappy with the kick-off time with so many of his stars arriving back late from South America and Mac Allister looked to be suffering more than most. 6/10

A mixed day at the office for Jones who was substituted nine minutes after the restart and never really got to the pace of the game. Passing off. 6/10

Quiet by his high standards and well shackled by City but it was the Egypt forward who picked up a loose ball from Dias to set up Alexander-Arnold’s equaliser. 7/10

Looked a threat in the first half and had a header well saved by Ederson. Failed to get a shot off on a couple of occasions when the opportunity opened up. Offside a little too often. 7/10

The quietest of Liverpool’s front three even if he worked hard off the ball. Substituted with an injury. 6/10

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