A second-half penalty from Alexis Mac Allister ensured Jurgen Klopp’s final Premier League clash with Manchester City ended with honours even, but it could have been so much more for Liverpool.
After tricky opening 15-20 minutes, the Reds put in a stunning showing at Anfield, creating 2.46xG worth of chances in comparison to Man City’s 1.61, and will perhaps be disappointed they couldn’t convert those opportunities into three points, especially given Arsenal shot to the top of the table on Saturday after their win over Brentford.
Here’s Liverpool’s best and worst players in the draw, courtesy of 90min’s esteemed player ratings.
Liverpool’s best player vs Manchester City
Virgil van Dijk: 8/10
Much was made of Virgil van Dijk going toe-to-toe with goalscoring machine Erling Haaland once again ahead of Sunday’s game, with the pair widely considered the best in the world in their respective positions.
And while Haaland had his moments throughout the 90 minutes at Anfield, Van Dijk was largely successful in the contest between the pair. Even when Haaland finally got Van Dijk isolated, all he could do was shoot straight at Caoimhin Kelleher as the Dutchman showed him wide.
The Liverpool captain completed 97% of his passes, won five duels, made two last man tackles and four interceptions in what was an utterly sublime outing from the best central defender in the world right now.
Honourable mention
Wataru Endo: 8/10
Going up against Man City’s midfield has never been an easy task, and anyone who ever holds their own against Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and co. deserves special praise.
Endo more than held his own against Man City’s midfield on Sunday.
The Japan international five won duels and completed eight defensive actions, while his 96% pass accuracy was a key reason that the Reds were able to dominate the second half in the way they did.
Liverpool’s worst player vs Man City
Dominik Szoboszlai: 5/10
While Endo excelled against Man City’s midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai struggled quite a bit.
That fact that the Hungarian completed just 69% of his passes on the day is proof of that statement. As is the fact that he was the first player subbed off by Jurgen Klopp.
It simply wasn’t his day.
