Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by the visiting Liverpool side at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday night.
James Milner gave Liverpool the lead from the penalty spot after Gael Clichy’s clumsy challenge on Roberto Firmino. But City responded well despite looking out of the contest for a short time after that goal, with Aguero equalizing from a fantastic cross by Kevin De Bruyne.
Both teams had so many chances to score, with Adam Lallana, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling all guilty of fluffing their lines. And as a result, the game finished honours even, which is not really a great result for either side. City remain in the third-place one point and one place above Liverpool. They will be under pressure now, considering Manchester United won earlier in the day and they still have games in hand.
Here are the player ratings from the game:
Manchester City Player Ratings
Willy Caballero – 8/10
Brilliant display from the Argentine shot-stopper. Denied Mane in a one-on-one situation and produced more saves throughout the course of the game.
Fernandinho – 7/10
Slotted in at right-back and went up against Coutinho. Stuck to his task and did not let his compatriot affect the proceedings. Moved into the midfield for last 25 minutes, combative display there as well.
John Stones – 7/10
Made a great block on Mane’s shot in the second half. Showed great tenacity with some old-fashioned tackles and blocks.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6/10
His lack of pace was exposed on a number of occasions. Surprised he wasn’t targeted more by Liverpool. Remains a liability at the back.
Gael Clichy – 5/10
Barged into Firmino to give away the penalty, cannot have any complains over that. Struggled to cope against the pace and trickery of Mane.
Yaya Toure – 6/10
Booked in the first half for fouling Emre Can. Looked tired and out of stamina in the second half. Was taken off after the hour mark.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6/10
Looked out of sorts in the central role. But came into life after he switched to the right, producing a glorious cross for Aguero for the equalizer.
David Silva – 8/10
His exemplary passing and vision were the main sources of City threat going forward. Missed a great chance in the first-half though.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Showed good attacking intent on the flanks against his former side. However, was let down by some poor decision-making and a lack of end product.
Leroy Sane – 7/10
Keeps getting better with every passing game. Always a threat on the left-flank, sent in some nice crosses that should have been converted.
Sergio Aguero – 7/10
Dispatched the equalizer with a supreme finish, but didn’t show the same composure, missing a few gilt-edged chances in the final moments.
Substitutes
Bacary Sagna – 6/10
Replaced Toure in the 65th minute. Held things firm.
Fernando – N/A
Came on in the 81st minute for Sane as Guardiola looked to protect the scoreline.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Simon Mignolet – 7/10
Made one decent stop to deny Kevin De Bruyne. Dealt with the very little threat that came his way with ease. Couldn’t do anything to keep out Aguero.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Was put under some serious pressure by Leroy Sane, but was bailed out by his pace and came through the battle unscathed.
Joel Matip – 7.5/10
Another solid and commanding display at the back by the summer signing. Continues to prove such a shrewd addition for the Reds.
Ragnar Klavan – 6.5/10
Was selected ahead of the fit Dejan Lovren. Put in a decent shift, kept Aguero quiet in the first half, but failed to stop him from getting the leveler.
James Milner – 7/10
Was pushed to his limits physically by Sterling, but was totally up for the challenge. Opened the scoring with a calm, nerveless penalty.
Emre Can – 8/10
Strong and tenacious in the middle of the park, he was Liverpool’s best player on the night. In fact, could be his best display in Liverpool colours till date.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 8/10
Barely put a foot wrong. Used the ball well, his discipline, energy were impeccable. Always an influence moving from box to box.
Adam Lallana – 6/10
A display characterized by relentless running. However, missed an absolute sitter late in the game that might have stolen the three points for his team.
Sadio Mane – 7.5/10
Had some chances to make City suffer but not as composed as he normally is. A real threat for Liverpool but could have done better.
Philippe Coutinho – 5/10
Looks devoid of confidence and was mostly anonymous. Substituted after spending much of the game on the fringes.
Roberto Firmino – 7/10
Had several chances but somehow failed to score. Held up the ball well and help knit the attacks for Liverpool. Won the penalty.
Substitutes
Divock Origi – 5/10
Failed to provide any real attacking threat after coming on for Coutinho in the 72nd minute, with Liverpool looking to counter.
Lucas Leiva – N/A
Replaced Firmino in the 89th minute.