Liverpool and Manchester City played out a thrilling draw at Anfield on Sunday, leaving the Premier League title race well balanced.
It may also have been the last English league meeting between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, following the German’s decision to leave the Reds at the end of the campaign.
The stakes were high and the spectacle did not disappoint: a penalty from Alexis Mac Allister canceled out John Stones’ first goal of the first half.
Across the field, there were a number of eye-catching performances, despite the home team’s continued problems with injuries.
Here, Sports mail’Jack Gaughan rates the players who participated in this exciting match.
John Stones put Manchester City ahead in the first half after a well-worked corner kick
Alexis Mac Allister kept his composure and leveled the game for the Reds in the second half
Jurgen Klopp last faced City in the Premier League as Liverpool manager before his departure in the summer.
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Liverpool (4-3-3)
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.5
Great save to deny Phil Foden and generally gives the back four an aura of calm in Allison’s absence.
Conor Bradley – 7
He dealt well with Julián Álvarez and the young man continues to look comfortable on the biggest stage.
Jarell Quansah – 7
Calm with the ball behind. There were a couple of strong moments as City advanced. He didn’t seem intimidated.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Great early intervention to frustrate Phil Foden and complete another last minute challenge to save the Reds.
Virgil van Dijk takes the Man of the Match award after a dominant performance
Joe Gomez was a surprise selection at left back, but recovered from a shaky start to put in a good performance.
Joe Gomez – 7.5
Shaky start against Phil Foden before growing into the game. He kept things simple and noticeably improved.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Dangerous runs from deep, turning away a good chance before the break. He still needs minutes after the injury.
Wataru Endo – 7.5
Smart screen despite City receiving joy through the middle. Often in the way of Kevin De Bruyne’s progress.
Alexis MacAllister – 7
Calm until the expert penalty, straight into Ederson’s right corner. He began to demand the ball more.
Harvey Elliott – 6
A few clever touches and I needed more from Núñez. Otherwise, she struggled to make an impact.
Luis Díaz missed some golden opportunities to score, although he was one of the Reds’ best players.
Darwin Núñez – 6.5
He spent much of the afternoon offside, nullifying his potential threat. Instinctive to go for the penalty.
Luis Díaz – 7.5
He threatened from behind and missed a great opportunity to pass. But he was the one who really took over the game.
Subs
Mo Salah (by Szoboszlai, 61) – 6.5
Andrew Robertson (for Bradley, 61) – 6.5
Cody Gakpo (by Núñez, 76)
Unused substitutes: Adrian, Tsimikas, Clark, McConnell, Nallo, Koumas
Coach – Jürgen Klopp – 7
The faith in the young defenders is once again admirable and he will feel Liverpool could have stolen him.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-1-4-1)
Ederson – 5
Reckless decision when trying to win the penalty against Núñez. Until then it had been a quiet afternoon.
Kyle Walker – 6
Great performance from the City captain. He played to the limit, sometimes to his detriment.
John Stones – 7.5
Great at moving between center half and midfield. Clever opening goal from a well-worked corner.
Ederson had a night to forget on Sunday as he was forced to retire due to an injury he suffered while taking a penalty.
Nathan Ake was also at fault for Liverpool’s goal, but was otherwise solid in defence.
Manuel Akanji – 7.5
He chose Rubén Dias for his speed and it seemed like a decent decision. Serene despite the chaos.
Nathan Aké – 5
Usually a stable Eddie at left back, but he left Ederson very short when Nunez stepped in to win a penalty.
Rodri – 6.5
Leggy, and that is not usually said to Spaniards. Some hairy moments were also mixed in with real aplomb.
Phil Foden – 7
He had the device in his hands without being able to finish it completely. I felt the most dangerous in blue.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5
Great moment for the Stones goal. His pass completion (64 percent) was one of the worst of his league career.
Kevin De Bruyne received his usual assist but became angry as he left the field in the 69th minute.
Bernardo Silva was the best player in midfield in the first half but his influence waned after the break
Pep Guardiola’s men weathered the Anfield storm to escape with a draw that keeps them one point from the top
Bernardo Silva – 7.5
Easily the best player on the park in the first half. He faded like City did after that and eventually expanded.
Julián Álvarez – 5
In the team for his work without the ball. He didn’t use possession well enough and became a liability.
Erling Haaland – 7
He did a decent job of linking play when City had players up front with him. Very few clear views of goal.
Subs
Stefen Ortega (by Ederson, 56) – 7
Mateo Kovacic (for De Bruyne, 69) – 6.5
Jeremy Doku (by Álvarez, 69) – 6
Unused substitutes: Días, Gómez, Gvardiol, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis
Coach – Pep Guardiola – 7
Bold changes from the bench to alter the course of the game. Set piece routine fresh from the training field.
Referee – Michael Oliver – 7
He allowed the game to flow as much as possible and managed to avoid major controversial decisions.