Manchester City
Ederson – 6
Barely had anything to do before picking the ball out of his net after Salah scored Liverpool’s first goal, his distribution was not quite as accurate as normal.
Kyle Walker – 6
Positioned at the right of a back three, he added pace to City’s backline and supported the attacks well, however in the second period it was noticeable that his energy dropped.
Nicolas Otamendi – 5
Was heavily involved in both of Liverpool’s goals – firstly he misjudged the bounce of the ball to allow Salah to score and then he presented Firminio with the chance to get Liverpool’s winner on the night.
Aymeric Laporte – 6
Had a fairly relaxed first half as he was barely tested but after the break he was up against a determined Mane who got the better of him during the build up to the first goal.
Fernandinho – 7
Played a vital role in the heart of the midfield and was the main reason for Liverpool’s suppressed first half and City’s constant pressure, he was the creator of Jesus’ early goal.
Bernardo Silva – 7
Was probably City’s most potent attacking force as his trickery and energy on the wing caused problems and his balls back across the area set up many good chances – if his shot against the post went in City could have been in business.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6
Worked hard to instigate City attacks and break up Liverpool possession in the midfield area but his unique touch of class and creativity was lacking.
David Silva – 7
Was dangerous during the first half when he linked up well with Sane and was a constant threat to the Liverpool defence, but his performance dropped markedly in the second half and his influence waned.
Leroy Sane – 6
Saw plenty of possession and was busy in and around the Liverpool area but didn’t quite have the quality or composure to get City back into the tie, did manage to score but it was ruled out for offside.
Raheem Sterling – 6
Only featured in fits and starts, he did provide the assist for Jesus’ goal but didn’t offer too much else in the final third.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Scored City’s early goal that the Etihad craved but failed to add to his tally despite the large amount of possession in the final third – not quite as clinical as Aguero.
Liverpool
Loris Karius – 7
Was a calming presence for much of the match – he did however play Liverpool into danger by passing the ball to the under-pressure Van Dijk in the build up to City’s opener.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Was booked early on but that did not effect his performance as for the second time in a week he performed impressively against Sane and restricted his influence.
Virgil Van Dijk – 8
Cleared with headers, cleared with volleys and blocked, blocked, blocked – he faced City’s never-ending pressure with a sense of calm and authority.
Dejan Lovren – 8
Like his centre-back partner, he put everything on the line to protect Liverpool’s goal – he produced a number of great tackles and shone in the back line.
Andy Robertson – 8
Struggled in the first half against Bernardo Silva and his attacking was thus limited but after the break he was able to contribute more to Liverpool’s attacks.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
Could have scored Liverpool’s opener at the end of the first half but he missed from a tight angle after rounding Ederson – otherwise, contributed positively.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7
Given the important role of central midfielder, he performed well and made key blocks and interceptions during a testing opening period, he protected his defence well.
James Milner – 8
Was the captain on the night and he led by example – he constantly put his body on the line and was instrumental to both Liverpool’s attacking and defending.
Mohamed Salah – 8
Barely had a chance, and had the fewest touches of all the Liverpool team, but when it counted he delivered – he rounded Ederson before coolly dinking the ball into the net to give Liverpool the crucial away goal that put the tie to bed.
Roberto Firmino – 6
Was industrious but not quite as influential as usual – he did score Liverpool’s second late on but was a bit too passive for the majority of the match.
Sadio Mane – 8
After a quiet first half, he set up Salah’s goal with a tenacious run and constantly battled and battered the left side of the City defence – played a key part in Liverpool getting the victory on the night.
