Liverpool vs Manchester City Player Ratings: 5/10 for Haaland; Nunez, Salah get 8 or more

Liverpool kicked off the 2022/23 campaign on a winning note as they defeated Manchester City 3-1 to lift the FA Community Shield.

Liverpool made a positive start to the clash at the King Power Stadium and drew first blood when Trent Alexander-Arnold hit in a curling effort from the edge of the box that beat Ederson Moraes in the Manchester City goal comfortably.

Pep Guardiola’s men could have pulled it back when new signing Erling Haaland had a great chance, but his effort was saved by Adrian. Seconds later, the Norwegian striker fluffed his lines as Liverpool went into the break with a lead.

Manchester City did manage to get back on level terms 25 minutes into the second half when Julian Alvarez found the back of the net to score his first goal for his new club. However, the parity lasted for just ten minutes or so as Liverpool were handed a golden opportunity to reclaim their advantage when Ruben Dias handled Darwin Nunez’s headed effort inside the box, leading to a penalty which Mohamed Salah converted.

Four minutes into the stoppage time, Nunez scored his first goal for the Reds to put the game beyond any doubt. Manchester City could have made it 3-2 but Haaland once again ended up missing a sitter in the dying minutes of the game as Liverpool ended up winning 3-1 to lift their first trophy of the new season. Here are our player ratings for both sets of players.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Adrian: 6/10

A mixed outing for the veteran Spaniard. He made a few good saves, including one to deny Haaland in the first half. However, he should have done better to deal with the ball leading up to Alvarez’s strike.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7.5/10

The England international carried a great attacking threat down the right flank and delivered a fine cross for his Andrew Robertson early in the game before scoring the opener. Did well defensively for the most part but was caught out for City’s goal.

Joel Matip: 7/10

Preferred over Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate, Matip repaid the faith shown by Jurgen Klopp with a resolute defensive display. The Cameroonian wasn’t afraid to go into battle against Haaland, dealing well with the Norwegian.

Virgil van Dijk: 7/10

The Dutchman was his usual assured self at the heart of the Liverpool defence, dealing with whatever came his way effectively while spraying the ball forward with accuracy. 

Andrew Robertson: 7/10

The Liverpool left-back should have done better when found by Alexander-Arnold inside the City box early in the game. Defended well against Riyad Mahrez and showed good energy to run up and down the flank. Set up the third goal with a good header into Nunez.

Jordan Henderson: 6.5/10

Given the nod ahead of Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, the Liverpool captain led the press from the front and also delivered a few inviting crosses into the box, nearly setting Luis Diaz up for a chance.

Fabinho: 7/10

Showed his usual bite and tenacity in the middle of the park to keep Manchester City at bay, even pushing forward at times to keep the English champions pegged back. The Brazilian was largely reliable with the ball at his feet.

Thiago Alcantara: 8/10

Ran the midfield on the evening as his top-notch range of distribution and vision were on full display, while Thiago was equally effective off the ball, making important tackles whenever needed.

Mohamed Salah: 9/10

The Liverpool talisman looked fired up and caused Joao Cancelo all sorts of problems on his flank with his clever movement and pace. Had a hand in the opening goal before scoring the second from the penalty box. Played a role in the third goal as well.

Roberto Firmino: 6/10

Given the nod over Nunez, the Brazilian worked hard off the ball and was a willing presser, although he did not pose a great deal of threat in the goalscoring department.

Luis Diaz: 6/10

Like Firmino, Diaz was a willing runner and helped out defensively on every occasion. However, he was lacking that bit of quality in the final third to make the kind of impact expected of him.

SUBSTITUTES

Darwin Nunez: 8/10

Came on for Firmino just before the hour mark and was a nuisance for the City backline. Drew a save from Ederson, then forced a handball from Dias to win the penalty before scoring the third goal. A competitive debut to remember for the new signing.

Harvey Elliott: 6/10

On for Henderson in the 74th minute. Took good care of possession.

James Milner: 6/10

Replaced Alexander-Arnold at right-back in the 74th minute and kept things in check.

Naby Keita: N/A

Late sub for Thiago.

Fabio Carvalho: N/A

Stoppage time substitute for Diaz.

Curtis Jones: N/A

On for Salah deep into stoppage time.

Manchester City Player Ratings

Ederson Moraes: 6/10

Not a lot he could have done about the first goal and could not get a hand to Salah’s penalty. Made a few good saves between those two moments, denying Nunez a goal. 

Kyle Walker: 7/10

Had an energetic battle against Diaz on his flank and did well to keep the Colombian’s threat at a minimum while also making some darting runs forward, although they did not yield the desired results.

Ruben Dias: 5/10

The Portuguese had made several good blocks until he undid his good work with a handball to gift Liverpool a penalty. Dias also failed to track Nunez for the third.

Nathan Ake: 6/10

Unlucky to see Alexander-Arnold’s strike deflect off of his head and into the back of the net. Ake did not do much wrong otherwise, although he does not inspire the same level of confidence as Aymeric Laporte.

Joao Cancelo: 4/10

Poor from Manchester City’s new No. 7 as he could not cope with the brilliance of Salah. Left too much space on the flank leading to the opening goal and never really looked comfortable. Booked for dissent.

Rodri: 6/10

Given the nod ahead of new signing Kalvin Phillips, the Spaniard was well below his best level. While Rodri made a few good challenges and strode forward with the ball at times, he looked off the pace at times.

Bernardo Silva: 7/10

A solid all-round display from the Portuguese midfielder who was one of City’s main creators, fashioning the first-half chances for Haaland. He was also working hard to support Rodri in the centre of the park.

Riyad Mahrez: 6/10

A rather subdued display from the Algerian winger, who had one or two bright moments but never really looked like posing a consistent threat to the Liverpool goal.

Kevin De Bruyne: 7/10

Playing just off of Haaland, the Belgian international came close to scoring in the first half and then set Alvarez up for the equalising goal in the second period. Not at his brilliant best, but still a key contributor.

Jack Grealish: 6/10

There were a few moments when Grealish’s dribbling abilities dazzled the fans. However, in an overall sense, Manchester City’s in-form player in the pre-season failed to trouble the Liverpool defence much.

Erling Haaland: 5/10

A debut to forget for Haaland as he missed two gilt-edged chances during the game and managed to force Adrian into a save just once. His understanding with his fellow attackers, De Bruyne in particular, needs to be worked on if he is to live up to his reputation.

SUBSTITUTES

Julian Alvarez: 7/10

On for Mahrez, the Argentine scored his first competitive goal for Manchester City and looked lively in his 30 minute-cameo.

Phil Foden: 7/10

Replaced Grealish just before the hour mark. Helped create the equaliser.

Ilkay Gundogan: 6/10

On for De Bruyne with over 15 minutes left. Could not spark a turnaround.