Coutinho – 9/10
Please, please, please don’t be too badly hurt. Hopefully the playmaker only left the field because of cramp, because when he was on the field, he was the best player on it. When Coutinho plays like that, Liverpool fans get nervous, because you know Barcelona or Real Madrid will start ramping up their eventual pursuit. His goal capped off the best individual performance we’ve seen this season.
Adam Lallana – 7.5/10
Silky on the ball and impossible to tackle, the step-over/Cruyff-turn merchant arrived at the Etihad, linking up excellently with his fellow attacking midfielders. At his best when Liverpool are on song, if that makes any sense.
Roberto Firmino – 9/10
He’s a player! That’s for sure! The Brazilian linked up with Coutinho beautifully, and on this form, he should be our starting ‘centre-forward’ next time out. Bagged his first Liverpool goal but could and should have had three at least.
SUBS:
Jordon Ibe – 7.5/10
A real menace off the bench. Quick and skilful.
Christian Benteke – 7/10
Held the ball up well and was denied a goal by a superb Joe Hart save.
Kolo Toure – 10/10
World-class for his 48 second cameo.
