BBC’s Ben Smith was saying Klopp has brought an incredible sense of purpose, unity and belief back to Liverpool. Indeed, it was same players, a different team for Liverpool as they got a thumping triumph over Man City by 4-1. It was incredible scenes at Etihad as City fans streaming for the exits as LFC fans were dancing in the stands. Next step for Liverpool is to try to find the way to smashing off the teams that are more than happy to not be in possession. Coutinho n Firmino, the Brazilian duo were on fire. During the initial minutes, Mangala latched into an own net, trying to clear a Firmino pass intended for Lallana. Firmino bagged another assist when minutes later Coutinho scored from fine touch. Coutinho returned the favour by assisting Firmino for his first Premier League goal making the scoreline 3-0. From a Skrtel blunder, Sergio Aguero scored a world class goal to pull one back. After the 80th, Martin Skrtel scored from a Gerrardesque volley to seal the match 4-1 to Kopites’ favour. Yes, Jurgen Klopp has arrived big time in BPL.
RATINGS:
MANCHESTER CITY-
JOE HART 6: Was left exposed, caught three times in the first half. Couldn’t do much for Mangala’s own goal and for the next two goals, the defensive errors let him down. Couldn’t stop Skrtel’s stunning strike. But made two fantastic saves to deny Firmino twice and during the end moments, denied Benteke with superb vision and positioning.
BACARY SAGNA 5: Failed to contain Coutinho. Was clueless against the pace, fluidity and trickery of Liverpool front three. Was left dispossessed many times especially by Coutinho. Poor.
Martin Demichelis 4: Failed to give a defensive leadership in the absence of Kompany. With Otamendi on the bench, he should have stepped up. But was flummoxed by Liverpool’s Brazilian duo and passing, creating of Liverpool.
Eliaquim Mangala 4: May I call him Eliaquim Own goal as he gifted Liverpool the first goal. Coutinho’s dragged backcross bamboozled him. Was very bad throughout.
Kolarov 5: Always was uncomfortable dealing with Coutinho and Firmino. Though provided some width down the left, but defensively Liverpool’s blistering hyena pressing caught him.
TOURE 5: Well, stats are just numbers as despite dominating the possession in the first half, Man City was far from being good, as Yaya Toure was part of City’s lacklustre midfield. Never inspired, never made a contribution.
Fernando 5: Couldn’t pick the runs of Liverpool attackers, after a certain time, didn’t even try, looked disinterested. But after Fernandinho came, pictures got changed, got engaged as he tried to track down Coutinho and Lallana.
Navas 5: The winger struggled against Moreno, put up an uninspiring performance. In the first half, was very poor as his terrible back pass gifted Liverpool another goal in the first half. Was replaced by Fabian Delph. De Bruyne helped Navas though.
De Bruyne 6 : Was among the very few City players who looked decent, looked interested. Always tried to go forward, trying for a killer pass, trying to get through. The Belgian showed endeavour. Was fitted in the game most of the time.
Raheem Sterling 6 : The Liverpool fans booed him, sang the song ‘’ Sterling, what’s the score? You greedy b######’’, but despite beginning brightly, faded as Clyne put him in his pocket. Should have scored though.
Aguero 7: Best City player on the pitch, scored an absolute stunner. Had the opportunity to score a second. He wasn’t fed properly by other forwards, but tried to score.
LIVERPOOL –
Simon Mignolet – 7 : Rarely got tested but made an incredible worldie save in the second half, looked confident and for the goal he conceded, the Aguero strike was unsaveable. His crucial saves were important.
CLYNE 7 : Another fantastic display, put Sterling in his pocket. Linked very well with midfielders. Moved forward, contributed in attack too. Got a cute slap from Klopp after match.
SKRTEL 8: Produced a fantastic performance , gave the defensive leadership like Jamie Carragher. His poor clearance set up Aguero the opportunity to score but made it up with a stunning goal.
Commanding centre-half.
Lovren 6 : Didn’t do much wrong but panicked, looked nervy against city forwards. One thing was amazing from Lovren, as he saw the danger on Sterling, ran to the goal to save it. Improved.
Moreno 7.5 : Offered width, quality. Defensively was good, made some good interceptions, though he lacks concentration in some times. Gave excellent attacking output, quality by playing off the deadly Liverpool forwards. Those who said De Bruyne will destroy Moreno, must find places to run.
Can 7.5: Was outstanding. Brilliant in terms of movement, his insane back-heel pass surely made some female LFC fans pregnant, his awesome pass led way to Firmino goal. Drove forward , helped in defence too.
Lucas 7: Was booked, but the composure and grit he offered in the midfield just in front of the defence covered both the flanks too and was crucial in countering Fernando-Fernandinho duo.
Milner 7.5: Worked very, very hard, showed why hr deserved more starting place in City side. Almost caused City’s second goal though, as his terrible backpass intended for Mignolet, went to Sterling. Squandered a chance.
Lallana 8: Was confident, linked up brilliantly, found good positions. Though played side role, but was excellent, drifted his game. Deadly.
Coutinho 9 : Scored one, assisted one. 3 shots 3 chances created 3 tackles won 1 assist 1 goal- his match stats. Almost scored in 36th minute, but denied by Hart. Never stopped running and helping Firmino in false 9 role. Formed a deadly trio with Firmino and Lallana. His dragged back cross deceived the City defenders to find Liverpool opener.
Firmino 9 : His best display for the reds, occupied defenders, moved in right places, could have scored 3, insanely skilled, fantastic movement. Roberto Firmino, what an absolute don. Firmino tried to stop the attack on the ground, with his head, reminiscent of a certain another Southern American.
SUBS:
IBE: 7
BENTEKE: 7