Liverpool 0-3 Man City player ratings: Wirtz struggles as Anderson shines with 9/10

Manchester City delivered a statement victory at Anfield, beating Liverpool 3-0 after Ryan Gravenberch’s second-half dismissal changed the contest. Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku struck in quick succession before Rayan Cherki completed the scoring with a superb team goal.

Elliot Anderson impressed in midfield, while Florian Wirtz endured a difficult afternoon for the hosts. The result also marked City’s first back-to-back league victories at Anfield in 73 years, according to the Daily Express.

Liverpool player ratings

Alisson – 6/10: Made important saves to keep Liverpool competitive but had little chance of stopping Haaland and Doku. Cherki beat him with a composed finish for City’s third.

Ronald Araujo – 6/10: Started brightly with an early challenge that lifted the Anfield crowd. Competed well against Antoine Semenyo before Liverpool’s defensive problems increased.

Virgil van Dijk – 6/10: Dominated several aerial duels and distributed the ball confidently. However, his defensive authority diminished after Gravenberch’s dismissal and City began exploiting the numerical advantage.

Jeremy Jacquet – 6/10: Read the game intelligently on several occasions and interrupted dangerous City attacks. Nevertheless, he struggled to contain Haaland after Liverpool were reduced to ten men.

Milos Kerkez – 6/10: Defended diligently, including an important intervention against Ndiaye. His attacking contribution was limited, however, and his deliveries lacked sufficient accuracy.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5/10: Carried the ball forward effectively and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma from distance. His second yellow card proved decisive, leaving Liverpool exposed for the remainder.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6/10: Produced several impressive long-range passes and showed determination in midfield. His influence declined after City scored, as Liverpool struggled to regain control.

Victor Munoz – 5/10: Used his pace to trouble City’s defence and offered Liverpool a useful attacking outlet. However, he lacked end product and was criticised for his defensive contribution to Doku’s goal.

Florian Wirtz – 3/10: Struggled with his first touch and repeatedly surrendered possession. His decision to shoot wastefully rather than pass to better-positioned teammates summed up a disappointing display.

Bradley Barcola – 5/10: Worked hard defensively and helped Liverpool progress through pressure on occasion. However, he struggled to influence the attack and was frequently forced onto his weaker foot.

Lewis Koumas – 6/10: Showed energy, pressed aggressively and competed well against City’s experienced defenders. He also forced a save from Donnarumma after the restart.

Substitutes

Trey Nyoni – 6/10: Replaced Wirtz and tried to contribute, but Liverpool’s numerical disadvantage made it difficult to change the course of the match.

Jeremy Frimpong – 4/10: Came on for Araujo but struggled to contain Cherki, who left him behind during the move that produced City’s third goal.

Rio Ngumoha – N/A: Entered late in the contest and had insufficient time to make a meaningful impact.

Joe Gomez – N/A: Introduced during the closing stages as Liverpool attempted to manage the final minutes.

Federico Chiesa – N/A: Came on late, with the match already effectively decided.

Manchester City player Ratings

Donnarumma – 7/10: Made several excellent saves, including a rapid sequence of interventions after half-time. He looked less assured at set pieces but contributed to City’s clean sheet.

Matheus Nunes – 6/10: Battled effectively against Barcola and won several individual duels. A loose moment after the break nearly presented Liverpool with an opportunity.

Ruben Dias – 7/10: Led the defensive line with authority and handled Liverpool’s attacking threats well. His composure helped City remain organised throughout the contest.

Marc Guehi – 6/10: Delivered a generally steady performance and helped contain Liverpool’s forward players. A needless free-kick near his own penalty area was a rare blemish.

Nico O’Reilly – 6/10: Faced a demanding contest against Munoz, with neither player consistently dominating. He worked hard defensively before making way for Gvardiol.

Elliot Anderson – 9/10: Controlled large areas of midfield through relentless running, intelligent positioning and timely interceptions. His contribution disrupted Liverpool’s attacks and helped City dictate the game.

Enzo Fernandez – 7/10: Gradually grew into the contest after initially struggling with Liverpool’s physical approach. His composure and distribution helped City establish control after the dismissal.

Rayan Cherki – 8/10: Was relatively quiet during the opening period but became increasingly influential as City took control. His outstanding finish capped a flowing move and showcased his technical quality.

Antoine Semenyo – 7/10: Created danger with powerful runs and driven crosses from the byline. Although he occasionally gave possession away cheaply, his direct approach troubled Liverpool’s defence.

Erling Haaland – 8/10: Had limited influence for much of the opening hour but struck decisively when the opportunity arrived. His powerful finish broke the deadlock and extended his scoring run.

Iliman Ndiaye – 6/10: Competed energetically in a hostile atmosphere and contributed to City’s attacking efforts. He was substituted shortly before the hour mark.

Substitutes

Jeremy Doku – 9/10: Changed the contest with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. He drew the foul that led to Gravenberch’s dismissal before scoring a superb second goal.

Josko Gvardiol – 7/10: Helped City maintain defensive control after coming on. His clever touch and perfectly weighted return pass were crucial to Cherki’s goal.

Allan – N/A: Replaced Haaland late in the game after City had established a comfortable advantage.

Ayoub Bouaddi – N/A: Entered alongside Allan during the closing stages, with little time to influence the outcome.