PLAYER RATINGS

KASPER SCHMEICHEL: The one-on-one save to deny Salah was the stand-out stop of plenty as his positioning and firm hands helped keep Liverpool out, particularly during the second half onslaught. 8/10

JAMES JUSTIN: Ventured forward early on but was otherwise pinned back. He enjoyed a good battle with Diaz, and won his fair share of the duels, but more to come. 5/10

DANIEL AMARTEY: The biggest bounce back of those who underperformed at Forest, Amartey was assured, always doing enough to minimise the quality of Liverpool chances, if not actually stopping them. He brought the ball down well and played with composure too. 7/10

WILFRED NDIDI: City may turn to him to play in defence once again, as he certainly seems more solid than Soyuncu based on this outing. He won his headers and used his long legs to stop attacks. 6/10

LUKE THOMAS: Passing was a little rushed at times, and therefore wayward, the young full-back perhaps wary of being caught in possession. He was beaten too often defensively, but never shied away from the 50-50s. 5/10

BOUBAKARY SOUMARE: Still too ponderous in possession and was targeted by Liverpool, who pressed him more quickly than any other player. He often lost the ball as a result, albeit he needed more options from his team-mates. 4/10

KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL: Carried the ball forward up the field well at times and generally moved it quickly, if not necessarily incisively, but gave up possession for Salah’s big one-on-one chance. 5/10

MARC ALBRIGHTON: Cut out dangerous Liverpool attacks with his excellent reading of the game, but found it tough going against Robertson. On the front foot, he had very little impact. 5/10

JAMES MADDISON: He was City’s most likely man, providing sparks of ingenuity that City needed to get anything from the game. His footwork in tight spaces was good, but he needed more help. 6/10

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN: Did well to bring ball down under pressure and get away from his markers with good, quick touches, but such was Liverpool’s control, he could never truly escape and had little effect deep in Liverpool’s half. He did set up Maddison’s chance though. 6/10

PATSON DAKA: Barely had a sniff against Van Dijk and Matip, who read and intercepted every pass that came his way, while he did not have the guile to worry them at any point. 4/10

SUBSTITUTES

YOURI TIELEMANS: Left out of the starting line-up, his performance didn’t suggest it was the wrong decision, with his touch loose too often. 4/10

KELECHI IHEANCHO: Wasted a good chance on the counter with a poor cross, and the ball did not stick to him at all when he received it to feet. 4/10

HARVEY BARNES: Couple of bright moments where he tried to link up with Thomas and Dewsbury-Hall. 5/10