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Liverpool secured a straightforward 2-0 win against Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday, December 1. The result sees the Reds extend their lead over Arsenal at the top to nine points, while City fall to fifth place below Brighton & Hove Albion with 23 points from 13 matches.
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Liverpool made a strong start to the contest as they looked to assert themselves on the proceedings and put Manchester City on the back foot. Their approach worked wonders early in the contest as Cody Gakpo handed the Reds a deserved 1-0 lead early into the contest. The Dutchman latched onto a pass from Mohamed Salah and converted 12 minutes into the game with a nice finish.
With 10 total attempts in the first half, Liverpool could arguably have had more goals to their tally. However, they were met with a resilient Stefan Ortega in Manchester City's goal as he pulled off some key saves to keep the hosts at bay. Meanwhile, four players were booked in the first half as they game showed signs of threatening to boil over at some point.
The referee did well to exercise control, much like Liverpool did as they carried a slender one-goal advantage into the break.
The second half saw Liverpool willingly concede some possession to Manchester City, who were eager to find a way back into the match. The visitors also made a double-change early in the second half as Jeremy Doku and Savinho were brought on to try and change the course of the match. However, this did not come off for Pep Guardiola, as the Reds looked solid at the back.
Manned by Virgil van Dijk, their central defence was solid and looked impenetrable. As a result, the hosts' attackers derived more confidence and looked to break forward at every opportunity. It paid off late in the game as Luis Diaz won a penalty after being fouled by Manchester City 'keeper Stefan Ortega. Salah stepped up to take the spot-kick and scored to make it 2-0.
Liverpool then looked content to sit back and defend their invaluable lead and went on to secure a 2-0 win against Manchester City. On that note, let's take a look at the Reds' player ratings.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher - 7/10
Kelleher made three saves en route to earning a clean sheet for Liverpool in this match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7/10
Alexander-Arnold had a solid game on the right flank for the Reds. He won five duels, making four tackles and two clearances. He also played two key passes and one accurate cross.
Joe Gomez - 7/10
Gomez was solid at the back, winning both his duels and also making one clearance and one block.
Virgil van Dijk - 7.5/10
Van Dijk played an instrumental role in shutting Erling Haaland out. He won four duels, making seven clearances, three interceptions, two blocks and also one tackle. He also attempted three shots, with one of those on target.
Andrew Robertson - 7/10
Robertson had a decent game as he won three duels in defence, making three tackles as well. He also played one key pass.
Ryan Gravenberch - 6.5/10
The Dutchman was average in midfield and was unable to get involved with Liverpool's moves as much as he would have liked. He was also booked.
Alexis Mac Allister - 7/10
Mac Allister passed the ball with 89% accuracy, including two key passes and one cross. He also won five duels, making three tackles as well.
Mohamed Salah - 8.5/10
Salah had a great game and was named player of the match for his one assist and one goal to help Liverpool march to victory. He also won three duels.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 7.5/10
Szoboszlai had a great game as he played four key passes, and also won four duels, making one interception and one tackle.
Cody Gakpo - 7/10
Gakpo had a great game as he scored a lovely goal for Liverpool in the first half. He attempted three other shots, played one key pass and also won three duels.
Luis Diaz - 7/10
Diaz was having an off night until the moment he sprinted forward and earned a penalty for his team.
Substitutes
Darwin Nunez - 6.5/10
Nunez replaced Gakpo but could not make an impact off the bench.
Jarell Quansah - 6/10
Quansah replaced Alexander-Arnold but had a poor came in his lesser-favoured role.
Curtis Jones & Harvey Elliott - N/A
The pair played less than 10 minutes apiece and hence does not warrant a rating.
