Liverpool edged past the Premier League champions with a much-deserved 3-1 score line. It’s probably the best way to start off the season and let the people think that a more dominating season is yet to follow.
Mohammad Salah, the player who was under the pressure to deliver the highest quality has once again did what was expected. Liverpool maintained their composure throughout the game and that eventually paid off when Salah put forward a cheeky pass to Trent who couldn’t have struck the ball better than that right-footed rocket. Ederson was left completely left helpless after the shot. He could only watch the ball go in. Manchester City was equalised in the 2nd half by an Alvarez tap-in.
Klopp got in their new summer signing Darwin Nunez who took very less time to gain composure and understand his surroundings. The Uruguayan striker won a penalty for his side which Salah made no mistake to score and then later went to score a brilliant goal all by himself.
Let’s take a look at how Liverpool players performed against Manchester City-
ADRIAN (GK)- 6/10
Adrian got this golden opportunity to feature in the Community Shield Final. Klopp totally made the right decision to give him the green light over Alisson. He made some crucial save throughout the 90 minutes he featured in. Even though Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland kept on putting pressure on him he kept his head calm and made some good saves to keep his team at the summit.
TRENT ALEXANDER ARNOLD (RB)-8/10
We’re Ready. 🤫 See you next week Reds 🔴 pic.twitter.com/5fhBWPGeoD
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) July 30, 2022
The English right back once again proved how good he is at that position. His timely runs inside the box and then being right at the defending third of their half is spectacular. No errors were made and his brilliant right-footed shot made Ederson just look at the ball go in.
ANDREW ROBERTSON (LB)- 7/10
He put up a brave effort down the left flank. He kept on switching the ball to the other flank with his outrageous lofted through balls which kept Manchester City constantly under pressure.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK (CB)- 8/10
Van Dijk made a number of crucial clearances, especially the one that Kevin De Bruyne struck with power. That right-footed shot could have gone in if he hadn’t made that timely interception. Despite the pressure constantly being implied by Mahrez from the right flank, not even a single error was made.
J.MATIP (CB)-6/10
Matip certainly looked shaky today and much better performance was very much expected in this cup final.
JORDAN HENDERSON (CM)- 7/10
As always the captain has delivered what was expected during this high-intensity fixture. The timely runs and rotating the ball up front is his speciality and he has once again done the same to possession on a handful of occasions.
FABINHO (CDM)-6/10
Regained possession on a handful of occasions.
THIAGO (CM)- 7.5/10
The Spanish midfielder produced some good chances for his teammates. The whole tempo of the game for Liverpool was maintained by him allowing the strikers to find the correct passes.
ROBERTO FIRMINO (LW)- 6/10
Made numerous runs with the ball. Tried his best to put his team on the front foot but it never seemed like the ball would go inside the net.
LUIS DIAZ (ST)- 7/10
Despite getting a handful of chances in both halves he failed to score. He made a number of shots on target was Ederson made those crucial saves preventing him from scoring.
MOHAMED SALAH (RW)- 9/10
Once again the Egyptian has produced some fine and elegant playing style. Not only did he assist Trent with that pass but also went on to score that crucial penalty. Ederson was often found busy in front of the goal due to Salah’s constant pressure. Salah is a menace in front of goal and today’s performance was no exception.
SALAH CONVERTS THE PENALTY TO GIVE LIVERPOOL THE LEAD 🔴 pic.twitter.com/k5jHEyk0QP
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 30, 2022
Substitutes-
DARWIN NUNEZ (ST)- 8.5/10
Give me that shield! 😂♥️ pic.twitter.com/PSwjxaEQQD
— Darwin Núñez (@Darwinn99) July 30, 2022
Even though he came on very late, it was because of this man that Liverpool got the breakthrough. Not only did he win the penalty for his team but also later went on sealing the victory when his header went in.
JAMES MILNER (CM) – 5/10
Struggled to make an impact after coming on.
H.ELLIOT (CM)- 5/10
Got the green light to have some minutes in this game but hardly could make the much-needed impact.
NABY KIETA, C.JONES AND FABIO CARVALHO (CM)- NA
Hardly got any minutes to get ratings.
