Liverpool vs Manchester City player ratings: Was Adam Lallana or James Milner the Reds star man?

Team ratings from Anfield as Liverpool dent City's hopes of winning the Premier League title

Liverpool players celebrate beating Manchester City (Getty)

Liverpool

Simon Mignolet: Will be relieved this week’s goalkeeping clanger belongs to his Manchester City counterpart. Delivered an otherwise commanding and authoritative display. 7

Nathaniel Clyne: Prepared to track back whenever he took the liberty to maraud forwards into the City half, this was another fine outing from the young Southampton academy graduate. 7

Kolo Toure: Stepped into the breach left by Mamadou Sakho with experience and confidence, just what the hosts needed if they were to successfully curtail City’s attacking talents. 7

Dejan Lovren: A surprisingly quiet night for another member of Liverpool’s St Mary’s alumni contingent but didn’t shirk from any of the responsibility required to keep City out. 7

Jon Flanagan: Was a welcome addition in the Liverpool line-up among Anfield regulars and did little to convince them their faith is misplaced. A confident outing. 8

Jordan Henderson: Continues to pass the tests which come with captaincy with flying colours. Another decent display from the former Sunderland midfielder on a big night for Jurgen Klopp’s men. 7

Emre Can: Liable to go missing in the centre of the pitch on occasion, the German was calm and composed whenever called upon for the Reds. 7

James Milner: Surged forward like the player who helped tonight’s opponents win the Premier League in 2012 and 2014 while taking his goal well. 9

Adam Lallana: While Joe Hart will be suffering nightmares about the error which allowed his England team-mate to open the scoring, it still took skill and precision for Lallana to pick his spot. 8

Roberto Firmino: Had to battle for every opportunity to run at City, unshackling himself from the hold of Fernando in the centre, but was up for the fight. Took his goal with the style and panache which Reds fans have come to expect of their £25m striker. 8

Divock Origi: Hurried City’s defence into mistakes and put his body on the line in search of rare chances to add to his two goals so far this season. The former Lille man may have failed in that regard but his work rate will endear him to Merseyside locals nonetheless. 7

Manchester City

Joe Hart: Entrusted again by Manuel Pellegrini after sitting out the Capital One Cup final. Should have done better for Adam Lallana’s opener and was slow off his line for James Milner’s 41st minute strike. 5

Pablo Zabaleta: Struggled to contain the faster members of Liverpool’s line-up but remains an expert at getting the simple tasks right. 6

Gael Clichy: Not afraid to gallop forwards when the situation requires it, pockets of space were often left empty inviting Liverpool to counter-attack at will, in his wake. 6

Vincent Kompany: A vital force for good among an occasional stale and impulsive back-four, the Belgian was his usual self. 6

Nicolas Otamendi: A powerful presence for City at the back but could do little to prevent either of Liverpool’s first half-half goals. Struggled to contain Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi. 6

Fernando: Hurried and stymied his Liverpool counterparts where possible but his work-rate reaped little in the form of reward. 6

Fernandinho: Showed the endeavour which was required to open Liverpool up but lacked the fortune for anything to come of it. 6

Jesus Navas: Was intent on making an impression after coming in for criticism from City supporters in recent months. Occasionally allowing his exuberance to get the better of him, this was another unremarkable shift. 5

David Silva: Twisted and turned with menace but struggled to navigate a route into his usual pockets of space in front of the Liverpool goal. 5

Raheem Sterling: Attracted as much vitriol as is to be expected in the circumstances, despite his manager’s plea to the contrary beforehand. Struggled to make an impact and was substituted at half-time. 5

Sergio Aguero: An isolated figure at the best of times for City on a frustrating night. Praise must be handed to the Liverpool defenders but the Argentine will think he could have done more. 5