Liverpool find themselves behind at the break as a brace from Erling Haaland is the difference between the two sides. The Reds haven’t been particularly poor until late in the half, where City got the upper hand on and off the ball.
Arne Slot’s side return to action for the first time since the international break as they look to book their place at Wembley ahead of the FA Cup semi-final, but it will take a lot to turn it around.
It was a fine start, but a clumsy challenge from Virgil Van Dijk put the Merseyside club behind. Haaland grabbed his second as he got across Konate and headed it past Mamardashvili.
ReadLiverpool presents the half-time player ratings, as the Reds need to complete the turnaround to keep their FA Cup hopes alive.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6
The Georgian keeper stepped in with Alisson, who confirmed he would be out for the rest of April.
He played a great ball over the top of the City defence as Salah came close to opening the scoring, but Erling Haaland’s penalty sent him the wrong way.
Joe Gomez – 6
Much of the discussion when the teams were announced was the English defenders’ battle with Jeremy Doku, who has enjoyed several performances against the Anfield outfit.
Outside of a shot in the opening phases, the Belgian has been limited by the great work from Gomez, who has been a rock in the opening 45 minutes.
Ibrahima Konate – 4
It’s been quite a half for Konate, and that’s mainly down to keeping Haaland quiet, until late in the half, when Haaland scored a brace.
The centre back pairing have been poor in the game, with the Norwegian being limited to chances but scoring the two he was presented.
Virgil Van Dijk – 3
Van Dijk gave away a penalty on City midfielder, Nico O’Reilly, with a late challenge on the Englishman.
It was his only real defensive action of the half, but it was a poor decision which led to City taking the lead.
Milos Kerkez – 6
The 21-year-old was involved in a lot of defensive contributions, which helped Slot’s side avoid any trouble.
There were calls for a penalty against Rayan Cherki, but on review, it was a great challenge by Kerkez, who had a stellar half.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5
Gravenberch has had little impact on the game, and the City midfield grew in confidence after taking the lead.
His composure on the ball is a must in the second phase as the Reds need to find control in the midfield
Curtis Jones – 5
Jones looked to play on the front foot as he linked up with Wirtz and Ekitike. With Mac Allister on the bench, a change could be on the way soon if he can’t step up.
He and the Dutch midfielder need to be more aware and present if the Reds are to overturn the two-goal deficit.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
He offered a lot of energy with late runs into the box, but similar to the rest of the side, had little to no impact.
He has shown he can be a difference maker this season, and it will be needed if the rest are to reach the semi-final.
Mohamed Salah – 5
It was the Egyptians’ first game since announcing he would leave at the end of the season. He had a big chance inside the first 15 minutes, but uncharacteristically for him, he dragged it wide.
He has a good record against Pep Guardiola’s side and will be hoping to make that impact in the second half.
Florian Wirtz – 6
Wirtz was finding plenty of space in the attacking third, and while he tried to be creative, he lacked the killer ball.
If Slot’s side are to get back into the match, they will need the German to step up and be the main man.
Hugo Ekitike – 6
Ekitike was combining well with Wirtz in the early stages and had a great chance to give the Reds the lead with a powerful strike, which flew over James Trafford’s crossbar.
A bit more clinical passing and smarter runs from the French forward later in this game could be the catalyst for the Reds.
