Manchester City v Liverpool Player Ratings (Liverpool)
Pepe Reina – 4.5 This man has gone from being one of the Premier League’s most reliable shot-stoppers to an error prone goalkeeper this season. The first goal he conceded off Aguero was a howler and the Yaya Toure header was rather close to him. However, he chose to look stunned and watched as the ball sailed into the net.
Glen Johnson – 7 The England international was not at his best against City, however, he did his defending all right. The only blemishes in his play were the quality of his crosses in attack. That is an area that he needs to work on if he is going to be recognized on the same levels as Cafu, Maicon, and Dani Alves.
Martin Skrtel – 8.5 Liverpool’s best player this season without a shadow of a doubt was doing what he does best against City. Completely neutralized the threat from Edin Dzeko. Although the tackle on Yaya Toure inside the box was a bit rash, the game was already lost by the time.
Daniel Agger – 8.5 Agger actually defended his area pretty well. However, his efforts at the back was not reflected on the scoreline thanks largely to an inept midfield. Lucas’ absence is having a bad effect on Liverpool.
Jose Enrique – 7.5
Like his opposite number – Gael Clichy – Jose Enrique did pretty well at the back. However, he could not contribute at all as far as attacking was concerned.
Jay Spearing – 7 The youngster did pretty well against a team of the magnitude of Manchester City. Interceptions and tackles were a distinct part of his game. However, when he is in possession of the ball – that is an area that he needs to work on – because he leaves a lot to the imagination.
Jordan Henderson – 6 The man has to put on some muscle and he also needs to learn when to keep possession of the ball and when to attempt fancy through-balls. He was looking to do the latter all evening and ended up giving away the ball cheaply on all occasions but one.
Charlie Adam – 5.5 This Scotsman looks like he needs a bit of a breather. He began the season exceptionally well, but his game has suffered in the last three weeks. With Stevie G back in contention, Adam’s place in the team as a creative midfielder is under threat.
Dirk Kuyt – 5.5 The Dutch international put in a lot of effort like always, however, this time around it did not pay off as he hardly got on the ball and was never able to trouble the defenders. Was very unlucky not to have scored from a couple of yards out thanks to a fantastic block from the City skipper.
Stewart Downing – 6 The man has been having a torrid time for the past few weeks and with Craig Bellamy in the kind of form that he has been in this past two weeks, it was a surprise to see him start. Downing could not convert a chance early in the game when he was sent clean through and was a disappointment in the wings.
Andy Carroll – 2.5 A poor poor performance from Carroll. He is Liverpool’s Fernando Torres. 35 million for Carroll? You have got to be kidding me. Was terrible throughout the night.
Substitutes
Steven Gerrard – 8 Had a couple of excellent efforts on goal that were saved by an equally brilliant Joe Hart. Although it was clear that he is not yet fully match fit, he was absolutely tremendous after coming on in the 57th minute.
Craig Bellamy – 7.5 I do not understand why he started on the bench. This man could have made the difference had he been on the pitch from the start and he showed that as he caused a lot of trouble on the left flank for Micah Richards.
Maxi Rodriguez – 7 Although he is not the same as of old, Maxi still gets into decent goal-scoring positions when he comes on to play. He had a couple of glorious opportunities which he could not take advantage of against Hart.