Liverpool 2 – 2 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS

Hart - Powerless to prevent Skrtel’s bullet header but could have arranged his wall better to stop Suarez’s free-kick. The fact the ball swerved around, and not over, the wall suggests Hart got his placement of it slightly wrong. Handling excellent - 6

K. Touré - Surprisingly preferred to Lescott, perhaps for his extra pace and mobility, but he did nothing to back up Mancini’s faith. Struggled against the movement and trickiness of Sterling and looked uncomfortable in possession - 5

Kompany - Usually so authoritative, he seemed unsure of himself and his position. Couldn’t decide whether to track Suarez or stay deep when the striker dropped into midfield to receive the ball and his hesitancy seemed to spread  - 6

Zabaleta - One of the rare bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing performance. For someone of his size, Zabaleta wins an impressive number of headers and was a tower of strength at the back. Used the ball intelligently and has adapted well to the new defensive system - 7

Milner - He was one of the main beneficiaries of the 3-4-1-2 formation in pre-season where his fitness levels and crossing ability were put to good use but unfortunately, we were not able to release Milner in dangerous positions yesterday. Struggled defensively and made no impact on the game  - 5

De Jong - Replaced Rodwell in the holding midfield role but failed to impose himself on the game as Liverpool controlled the tempo for the last hour of the match. Distribution was laboured and lacking in tempo, an area which he must work on if he is to establish himself in the side - 6

Y. Touré - Saw plenty of the ball but like De Jong, his distribution was poor. He seemed to coast through the first seventy minutes, lacking any sort of intent or incisiveness when in possession and only became interested when pushed further forward. Scored to make it 1-1 but overall it was an underwhelming display - 6

Kolarov - As with Milner, this formation suits him down to the ground, but seeing as we were unable to find him with any regularity in the final third, he made no impression on the game, save for allowing Skrtel to brush past him for the opening goal. His defending all afternoon was frenetic and last-ditch - 5

Nasri - Having impressed in the Community Shield and then again last week at home to Southampton, this was a disappointing performance. Given the licence to roam between the midfield and attack, he couldn’t stamp his authority or creativity on the game and was replaced as we pushed for an equaliser - 5

Balotelli - At times, it was a frustrating afternoon for Mario as he made countless runs behind the Liverpool backline as he searched for the ball played over the top, but our midfield was so slow in delivering the pass that he was eventually forced to drop deep. Blasted one shot over the bar from a good position and was replaced by Dzeko - 5.5

Tévez - Like his fellow Argentine, he was one of our better players. Offered a constant threat when he dropped deep to find some time and space and was a livewire in and around the Liverpool box. Scored City’s second goal when gifted the chance by Skrtel’s backpass and will have to continue to be the main man until Aguero returns - 7

Subs

Rodwell - Very unfortunate to concede the free-kick from which Suarez scored as the ball bounced up off his knee onto his hand, but he provided a calming influence in front of the defence and made one vital clearing header from Carroll’s effort - 6

Džeko - Made a difference with his ability to hold up the ball although he did waste a couple of promising shooting opportunities - 6

Silva - Looked very bright in his brief appearance, bringing some measure of control and composure to our side - 6.5

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