The Reds’ dreams of finishing in the top four were further dashed at the Etihad Stadium as City overcame a late deficit to defeat Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Liverpool’s diminishing chances of qualifying for the Champions League the next season were dealt yet another setback when they lost 4-1 to a dominant Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Mohamed Salah’s cool finish gave the Reds a brief lead in the first half, but City responded with a goal from Julian Alvarez, who replaced the injured Erling Haaland, and then dominated their opponents after the interval.
Within the first minute of the restart, Kevin De Bruyne scored, and Ilkay Gundogan added another shortly after, causing Jurgen Klopp to lose his mind as Liverpool’s flimsy defense broke down again.
Alisson Becker, goalkeeper and defense (6/10):
The squad in front of him exposed him. Right now, he’s too good for them.
Trent Arnold (5 out of 10):
Beautiful ball to set up the first goal. had a difficult job stopping the outstanding Grealish. Though unlucky for the third goal, his other attempts at play were startlingly careless.
Konate Ibrahima (4/10):
played nervously and was confused by City’s quickness and agility.
Van Dijk, Virgil (4/10):
played nervously and was confused by City’s quickness and agility.
Van Dijk, Virgil (4/10):
Too easily defeated for an equalizer, as City repeatedly took advantage of the Reds’ defensive line.
Andy Robertson (grade of 10):
was wasteful in some excellent attacking positions and was caught pushing up for City’s first two goals.
Fabinho in the middle (4/10):
played with caution when it came to fouls in the first half and appeared to be moving a little too slowly.
Henderson, Jordan (4/10):
found lacking in terms of poise, length, and ball handling ability.
Elliott Harvey (4/10):
In and out, and sometimes feeling too secure after his demise. Not able to get close to City’s key midfielders.
Muhammad Salah attack (5/10):
A cool finish to take the lead, but before City equalized, Jota ought to have made it 2-0. faded prior to being replaced.
Gakpo Cody (5/10):
showed some class and at least a little fighting. awful dive to attempt to get a penalty.
Jota, Diogo (5/10):
Fantastic run and set up the first goal, but he faded just as fast as Liverpool did.
Attack by Muhammad Salah (5/10):
It was a nice finish to take the lead, but Jota should have made it 2-0 before fading and City equalized.
Cody Gakpo (5/10):
demonstrated grace and at least a little combat. terrible dive to try to draw a penalty.
Diogo, Jota (5/10):
Amazing run and creator of the opening goal, but he faded as quickly as Liverpool did.
5/10 for Roberto Firmino:
Not a thing.
Darwin Nunez (grade: 5):
He couldn’t have been fit, or he would have started much sooner.
5/10 for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain:
was no worse than anyone else, but his appearance here demonstrates how disastrous Liverpool’s season has been.
James Milner – not sure
a bit late. He might think he’s too old for all of this.
Klopp, J. (5/10):
What has become of his group? He completed his subs too late.
