Player Ratings: Van Dijk Dominant as Liverpool Move Nine Points Clear | OneFootball

Liverpool 2 – 0 Manchester City – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League schedule resumed with a potentially season-defining encounter under the Anfield lights, between two of the biggest clubs in English football.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0

The Irish backup stopper started this game once more, as the Reds await the return of their Brazilian no.1, Alisson Becker. The handling and decision-making in the first half were solid as he dealt with anything that came his way in a controlled first half.

After the intermission, the 25-year-old was decisive in keeping a clean sheet and shone when he had tibstep forward.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

The England superstar returned to the starting lineup after his injury. The vice-captain was keen to flex his attacking influence and nearly created goal-scoring scoring opportunities for himself within a solid first half.

Following the halftime break, the 26-year-old was again very composed on the ball and allowed a confident manner in his defensive work.

Subbed – 73 mins

Andy Robertson – 8.0

The Scotland international skipper was resolute once more, as he looked to balance and offensive output in a controlled first half.

In the second half of this game, the popular fullback was alert to snuff out dangers and nearly laid on a wonderful assist for Gakpo.

Joe Gomez – 7.0

The England international defender was eager to impress from the opening whistle and did so with confidence in an impressive guest half-showing.

After the break, the former Charlton man was again superb in his work and his pace allowed an assurance off the ball.

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0

The captain and leader of this team were commanding in the first half as he dominated his zone and handled the huge threat created by Erling Haaland.

After the break, the 33-year-old Anfield legend was a little rocky on the ball on one occasion, however, his quality shone through.

Man of the match

Photo: IMAGO

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0

The Duch midfielder was combative and energetic in his work as he strived to make his opponents work for the midfield battle.

As the encounter resumed, the 6ft 3inch midfielder was always on hand to work and did a great job at restricting the City assets.

Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0

The Argentina World Cup winner started this game with gusto and a desire to control patterns of play.

After the halftime team talk the midfielder was again the main man and worked hard to make sure his team won.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The Hungarian skipper started with a remit to press and cause chaos off the ball. His energy and tenacity were superb as he ran through every blade of grass.

After the intermission, the bulldozing style was again at hand to ensure nothing was created in his zone.

Luis Díaz – 8.0

The Colombian flyer was tasked as the false nine for this game as he worked tirelessly to ensure nothing came through and that he could interact with those around him.

As the game resumed, the output of the former Porto man was lessening, however, his run created the penalty which closed out the game.

Subbed – 90+2 mins

Cody Gakpo – 8.0

The Dutch forward started from the left wing with a desire to attack Kyle Walker. From the opening bell, the 25-year-old was keen to run inside and the opening goal was about desire.

After the restart, the former PSV man was eager to run hard and did so without complaint.

Subbed – 73 mins

Mohamed Salah – 9.0

The Egyptian King was very much a star attraction here and the assist for the opening goal was sublime.

After the break, the former Chelsea man was guilty of overthinking a shot which sailed over the bar, however, the penalty was superbly dispatched.

Subbed – 84 Mins

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Substitutions;

Darwin Núñez – 7.0 (on 73)

Came on to add energy.

Jarell Quansah – 6.0 (on 73)

Came on to add stability.

Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 84)

Came on to add control.

Harvey Elliott – N/A (on 90+2)

Came on.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 10.0

The Dutch manager was keen to start a powerful team for this battle of the Premier League heavyweights. The game plan was about control and breaking quickly, which were about achieved.

All the substitutions were effective and well-timed.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 1 Manchester City