“Premium, Blue Chip, Top Drawer and Gold Standard Premier League” – Peter Drury.
Liverpool beat Manchester City by three goals to one to open up a huge 9 point lead over the defending Champions as we enter the year’s last international break.
The game was surrounded by controversy and anger on part of both managers and players alike. Liverpool opened the scoring early in the 1st half when Brazilian Fabinho let fly a rocket to which City’s Bravo couldn’t do much.
The goal came seconds after City players raged at referee Michael Oliver about an incident which saw Liverpool’s RB Trent Alexander Arnold handle the ball in the box.
Shortly afterwards the right back unleashed LB Robertson with an outrageous long ball only for the Scotland international to feed Mo Salah who doubled the scoring with a neat header.
City chased and chased but couldn’t take any material benefit apart from numerous corners. The Reds tripled the lead early into the second period when Captain Jordon Henderson crossed the ball from the corner flag to let Sadio Mane put Liverpool in cruise control.
City had their consolation when Angelino crossed to let Bernardo Silva score from 10 yards out.
Alisson – 6.5
Had little to do in the opening period. Saved well off Aguero and never took any chances with loose balls and corners. Steadily improving back to his best. Lost his clean sheet again and is yet to keep one this season.
Alexander Arnold – 7.5
Got away with the hand ball fiasco with pundits saying it could easily been given a penalty. Grew into the game despite taking a bit of time to get on with it. His passing has improved levels and accuracy was pin point even yesterday.
Lovren – 7
Made a couple of last ditch tackles and kept Aguero within limits. His deft touch on Sterling’s cross kept it 3-0. Another player who has improved but still way off his best.
His passing accuracy wasn’t up to mark and many cross field passes couldn’t find their targets.
Van Dijk – 7
Another solid performance from the Dutch centre half. The assurance he gives to the back line and to the team on the whole is huge. Started with some jittery moments but calmed things eventually. Won his aerial battles and didn’t offer much room to any attackers once inside the box.
Robertson – 7.5
Delivered a peach of a cross to Salah for the 2nd. Managed his man – Bernardo Silva really well. Should’ve done a bit better to deal with the goal. Intercepted and jockeyed the attackers with efficiency.
Fabinho – 8 MoTM
What a way to open your account for the season! Unleashed an unstoppable bullet of a hit to put Liverpool in the lead. Another industrious display. Covers almost all parts of the field and looks like he is very confident on his game at the moment.
Henderson – 7
Was deployed on the right to assist Mo Salah and combined well with Trent to set up a delicious cross for Mane to head in. His recent displays have been really mature. Helped calm down the nerves after the shaky start.
Wijnaldum – 8
Brilliant game for the Dutchman. Passed the ball around with accuracy and effectiveness. Should’ve done better with his chance where he played a nice one-two with Mane. Links up defense and attack with perfection. His physicality also gives him the ability to hold up the ball following a counter break.
Salah – 7
Looked a bit off colour in the last couple of games but that goal against such a big rival would surely give him plenty of confidence. Linked up with Mane well and looks like their early season bust up is quite sorted out now.
Firmino – 6.5
Not as effective like others but definitely the core of that Liverpool attack. Kept the ball well and his close control helps him hold it longer. Just average on Sunday though.
Mane – 8
The most important player in the final third these days for the Reds. Was so densely involved in the game. Didn’t offer any chances to Walker to move ahead and did some decent back pedalling as well. Headed in front of the Kop to put his side 3-0 ahead.
Substitutes –
Milner – 6
Did his job well and jocked well. Passing accuracy and interception.
