Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Premier League clash at home to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Referee, Craig Pawson speaks with players as Ruben Dias of Manchester City reacts with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Referee Craig Pawson speaks with players as Ruben Dias, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker during a contentious moment in Liverpool's late 2-1 home loss to Manchester City(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Liverpool suffered only their second defeat in 17 games as they were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. After Dominik Szoboszlai had deservedly given the Reds the lead on 74 minutes, City levelled against the run of play through Bernardo Silva and then snatched an unlikely victory when Erling Haaland scored a penalty during a contentious additional time period in which Szoboszlai was sent off.
The result means Arne Slot's side now face a battle to finish inside the top five and claim Champions League qualification through Premier League placing.
The ECHO was in attendance at Anfield and here we run the rule over the performance of the Liverpool players.
Alisson Becker 5
Distribution a little risky at times in difficult conditions but decent save from Haaland early on. Not much to do second half until stupid concession of decisive penalty.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7
The emergency right-back was targeted by City early on and didn’t help himself with some wayward passing, but much improved second half in both directions and superb free-kick for the opener. Played Silva onside for equaliser, though, and was then sent off during bizarre closing moments.
Ibrahima Konate 8
Read danger well before break and did more than anyone to keep Marmoush quiet. Maintained level throughout in another fine showing.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Attempts to play on front foot up against Haaland not always successful and some difficulties in the air against the striker but began to get a grip after the break. Booked.
Milos Kerkez 8
Persistent up against former Bournemouth team-mate Semenyo and defended one Haaland opening well. Willingness to keep running forward offered Liverpool regular openings as game became stretched.
Ryan Gravenberch 6
Struggled too often to judge bounce of ball and City physicality in difficult opening but among many different Liverpool propositions second half and worked hard to win free-kick for opener.
Alexis Mac Allister 6
Excellent pass created opening for Salah but otherwise on the periphery first half. More involved after that and helped Liverpool up pressure on City.
Mohamed Salah 6
Had shot deflected behind before break and tussled up against Ait-Nouri but quality not quite there until superb cross set up chance for Ekitike second half.
Florian Wirtz 7
One outrageous touch wowed crowd and decent when on ball, but that wasn’t enough before break. Became far more prominent in spell after half-time as Liverpool wrested initiative and one goalbound effort blocked.
Cody Gakpo 6
A couple of brief glimpses of threat early on but on one occasion stymied by reluctance to use left foot. Plenty of effort and more of a danger second half. Subbed.
Hugo Ekitike 6
Wasn’t given a lot of service first half despite plenty of work to find space and spurned great chance to open scoring.
SUBS
Curtis Jones (for Gakpo 85)
A couple of good touches.
Federico Chiesa (for Kerkez 90+4)
Put in a cross.