Liverpool will end the season unbeaten against the rest of the
Premier League's "big six" after a pulsating game at the Etihad Stadium
ended 1-1. The draw was a fair result but both sides had numerous
chances to win, with Adam Lallana wasting the most clear-cut opportunity
when he completely missed his kick with the goal gaping.
Positives
It was a very good team performance that featured some fine
individual displays, not least from Emre Can in the middle of the park,
who produced his best performance since a brilliant showing against
Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League last season.
Negatives
Having taken the lead there was a real opportunity for Liverpool to
kill the game as the home side wobbled but, despite numerous
opportunities on the break, the away side were not sufficiently clinical
or composed. Ultimately it cost them as, following Pep Guardiola's
tactical switch, City came back strongly to save a point.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- It was no surprise that Jurgen Klopp got his
tactics right; he usually does against the best sides. Clearly he
doesn't trust his bench options much, though, which restricts his
options to change things later in games and that hurts Liverpool. Divock
Origi was given an opportunity to shine but once again failed to take
it.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Simon Mignolet, 6 -- Considering City had so many
chances, it's surprising how little he actually had to do. Most of the
efforts missed the target, but what Mignolet did have to do he managed
with calm assurance. Had no chance with Sergio Aguero's goal.
DF Nathaniel Clyne, 7 -- It wasn't a day for
rampaging attacking runs from full-backs as City played with two wingers
pushed high up the pitch. Clyne had one or two difficult moments
against Leroy Sane but, overall, stuck to his task well.
DF Ragnar Klavan, 7 -- A solid, professional
performance from the experienced Estonian international. It's never easy
against strikers of Aguero's quality and, although he was beaten for
the equaliser, any blame attached to Klavan should be minimal.
DF Joel Matip, 7 -- Defended well and made some
vital interceptions. Always cool in possession, he now looks back to the
level he reached before his injury layoff earlier this year.
DF James Milner, 7 -- His former club looked to
attack him at every opportunity but, given how much pressure he was put
under, he dealt with it extremely well. He could have conceded a penalty
when a last-ditch lunge clipped the heel of Raheem Sterling but,
without that challenge, the winger would have scored. Milner showed
customary nerves of steel to convert his penalty, meaning he has scored
seven of seven from the spot this season.
MF Emre Can, 9 -- He has shown signs of coming into
form recently and this was his best display of the season by some
distance. Powerful, composed, determined and purposeful, Can was easily
the best midfield player on the pitch and played the pass from which
Roberto Firmino won the penalty.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 8 -- Not as dominant as Can
but nonetheless excellent, covering every blade of grass. His strength
on the ball was evident on numerous occasions as he wriggled out of
difficult situations to maintain possession.
MF Adam Lallana, 7 -- It's a pity that the only
thing people remember from his display is the horrific miss because,
aside from that, there was a lot to admire. He never stopped running,
whether closing down or unselfishly sprinting ahead to create space for
others, while his willingness to receive -- and keep -- the ball in
difficult situations helped Liverpool during testing periods.
FW Sadio Mane, 6 -- He posed problems but not as
many as if he'd been at his usual level. Mane was Liverpool's out ball
when they countered, but too often he slowed things down or played the
wrong pass. His most threatening moment came when he should have been
awarded a first-half penalty. Having blown by Nicolas Otamendi, he was
clipped by the defender.
FW Philippe Coutinho, 4 -- Usually excels against
Manchester City but never really looked likely to break out of his
recent lump in this one. His display wasn't as bad as last week against
Burnley but, too often, he was on the periphery and it was no surprise
that he was the first player substituted.
FW Roberto Firmino, 8 -- Led the line with great
intelligence and rarely wasted a pass. He won the penalty by cleverly
getting his body between Gael Clichy and the ball and drawing the foul,
and could have had a goal in each half but for goalkeeper Willy
Caballero. His flick to set up Lallana for the squandered chance will be
quickly forgotten, but it was a wonderful piece of skill.
Substitutes
FW Divock Origi, 4 -- It was the type of game that
should have suited a player with his pace and strength, but too often
when he comes off the bench he makes the team worse and that was the
case once more. He should do far more with his speed.
MF Lucas Leiva, NR -- Sent on for the closing minutes to help to preserve the point. No real time to make any impression.
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