Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City: Hits and Flops

There was no clear blue water between rivals Liverpool and Manchester City as they played out a dour goalless stalemate at the Anfield, though Riyadh Mahrez missed a penalty late on to squander a glorious chance to win it for his side. The Algerian blazed his shot well over the bar with only five minutes remaining on the clock.

The Reds have always enjoyed massive victories over the Skyblues at home, but their dwindling form in the recent weeks meant there were no happy returns this time. The visitors too were well below their best and uncharacteristically struggled in the final third.

This fixture produced a frankly preposterous 18 goals in 4 games the last term, including a pair of massive wins for either side. But given the sluggish and sedate game today, it isn't surprising that the amazing run of goal-fests came to an end.

Here are the hits and flops from the game:

#1 Flop: Liverpool and Manchester City

Liverpool vs Manchester City was far from a classic

With very few positives to take away from a listless game, Liverpool and Manchester City equally share the blame for it. Unlike the meetings last season, the teams opted for a more cautious approach to the match this time as vigilance took precedence over vigour. In fact, so cautious that the first shot on target was registered in the 62nd minute of the game. Now that's unusual for teams that have been exercising two of the most vibrant brand of football in the league in the recent seasons.

Maybe perhaps the stakes were lower this time as it's only the eighth matchday of the campaign and both these sides are coming off the back of an unforgiving fixture list that has seen each of them play four games in a space of 18 days before today. And the exhaustion was clearly taking over as neither Liverpool nor City even attempted to change gears; not even in the final few minutes when it threatened to open up.

This was supposed to be the biggest clash of the weekend in Premier League, and the fact that it was scheduled last among the 10 fixtures further accentuated its billing. But sadly, there were no fireworks this time.

#2 Hit: Mohamed Salah

Salah improved from Napoli showing, but still goalless

He didn't score a goal. He struggled initially. He also missed a half-chance in the first-half. All agreed. But Salah was still better in his execution and composure than what he imbued against Napoli in the midweek.

The Egyptian ace was virtually non-existent in the Champions League game, struggling to even make proper contact with the ball and easily beaten when in possession. So relatively, he turned in a better performance here.

Salah is also credited for Liverpool's first shot on target since the Daniel Sturridge stunner at the Stamford Bridge last weekend. Just moments after City threatened to score at the other end, the hosts hit back with an attack of their own and Gomez teed up for Salah from the right, who shot straight at Ederson.

The visitors were tested for the first time, but his effort lacked the ferocity to make the chance count. Salah won't be too disappointed today, but knows he can and had to, do much better.

#3 Flop: Riyadh Mahrez

Mahrez misses

penalty

in the dying minutes of the game

Before you make a mincemeat of me, I have to tell you Mahrez was technically brilliant. He was the source of whatever rare chances City could conjure today. But the fact that he missed the penalty at the death leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

It was right there served on a platter for him; he could've pulled City clear at the top rather than share it with two other teams. But Mahrez supposedly succumbed to the pressure and missed a golden opportunity to seal the tie.

Virgil Van Dijk brought down Leroy Sane inside the area, handing the Citizens a lifeline in the 85th minute. In the absence of Aguero, who was subbed off by then, Mahrez stepped up to take the spot-kick though Gabriel Jesus was available to dispatch it.

But the former Leicester City man lost his composure and made a very heavy touch to send the ball reaching for the satellites. His expression in the aftermath summed it all. He knew what a chance he missed. And although the season is just starting to gain steam, it was a great chance to head into the international break with an important victory.

#4 Hit: Jordan Henderson

Henderson did very well to frustrate City's creativity

He's the captain of Liverpool, yet hardly in the news or the headlines, for such is the attacking riches in this side. But Henderson put up a strong show today to become one of the bright spots across the entire field. The skipper threw his weight in the defence by dropping deep and providing a protective cover to the back four.

He thwarted both Aguero and Bernardo Silva, winning and conceding a foul, respectively. Henderson was so immense at the back that he made three tackles and clearances, whilst also jumping to make two interceptions to nip the danger in the bud.

And that's not all, the 28-year old also tried to add impetus to the attack by sending two floating crosses at two different points in the game. He moved the ball around quickly and also laid a key pass, something that neither of Firmino, Salah or Mane, managed to do today.