We apologise for the delay in publishing our player ratings… Nissan took us to the game last night, on the premise that we kept the noise down when Liverpool scored as there was ‘Man City boxes all around us’. 1-0? Fine. 2-0? Less fine. 3-0? Sorry Nissan.
Anyway, here’s how we rated Liverpool’s superb players for their contributions at the Etihad.
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Not heavily involved, which says much about the players in front of him. Can’t be blamed for Aguero’s wonder strike but apart from that, didn’t have an awful lot to do.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Largely negated the threat of Raheem Sterling, who thankfully was made to look rather silly by a rampant Liverpool. Solid, as a right-back needs to be away at the Etihad.
Alberto Moreno – 7/10
Made seven interceptions, which defines his excellent defensive contribution. Looked like Kevin de Bruyne would cause him problems early on, but the Spaniard blunted him.
Martin Skrtel – 8/10
Made about one million clearances and finished the game off with his best goal in a Liverpool shirt since he arrived in 2008. What a performance!
Dejan Lovren – 7.5/10
A good, good game from the Croat. Many had doubts with Mamadou Sakho out, but he answered them. More of the same, please.
Lucas – 8/10
Unbelievable as a holding midfielder. Won countless loose balls and distributed them with guile and class. The calm head of our frantic victory.
Emre Can – 7/10
We’ve watched the back-heel in the lead up to our third goal so many times we’re pretty sure Vine will sue. That’s all.
James Milner – 7.5/10
His old team will wish they’d have secured Milner a new deal. They really will. Yesterday was the Englishman’s best performance in a red shirt bar none.
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.
