Liverpool’s misery continues as Manchester City destroys Arne Slot’s side at the Etihad in the FA Cup quarterfinal, with the Champions League the only competition left to play for.
Liverpool came into the affair off the back of a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Brighton, and were looking to turn it around by heading to Wembley for the semi-final.
Erling Haaland scored twice before half-time, and added his third between a goal from 26-year-old Antoine Semenyo as they won 4-0, and ended the Reds’ hopes of winning a domestic trophy this season.
Liverpool have a Champions League tie against defending European champions PSG next week, where Slot will need his team to respond to the defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side, or his job will be under further scrutiny.
Here is a look at ReadLiverpool’s player ratings, as Liverpool are embarrassed in Manchester.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 3
The Georgian keeper took over from Alisson with the Brazilian out injured, but it didn’t go to plan for the keeper.
He could have done very little outside of Semenyo’s goal as he dinked it over the 25-year-old, but conceding four goals isn’t going to give anyone at the back a good rating.
Joe Gomez – 4
He had a strong display against Jeremy Doku in the first half, which limited the Belgians’ creative output.
In the second half, he was unable to land a punch, with both of City’s goals coming from his side.
Ibrahima Konate – 3
Haaland had very few chances in the first half until he scored from the spot. After that, the Norwegian was on fire.
A hat trick from Haaland was crucial in their win, and his second came from beating the French defender in the box.
Virgil Van Dijk – 2
It was arguably the captain’s worst game in a Liverpool shirt since moving to Merseyside in 2017.
He gave away the penalty in the first half and provided space for Haaland’s second. A further two goals in the second half showcased a rare poor performance from Van Dijk.
Milos Kerkez – 4
Similar to Gomez, the 21-year-old had an alright start and won a lot of challenges, which brought the pressure off the Reds.
He had no mistakes in the second half, but being part of the defence that conceded four goals is not a great look.
Ryan Gravenberch – 4
Perhaps a bit better than those around him as he was brought the ball forward in the early stages, but that was all he was able to offer.
City’s midfield completely dominated the Reds in the second half, and the Dutch midfielder was unable to resist.
Curtis Jones – 3
Jones was included in the starting XI for the first time in a while, having usually been relied on from the bench.
Just like Gravenberch, he offered very little to the team as they got hammered in midfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 4
The Hungarian was solid in the first half and introduced a lot of attacking fluidity to the side with counterattacks.
As Guardiola’s side grew into the game, he was unable to get his side going as they suffered a heavy blow.
Mohamed Salah – 2
It was the first game of the Egyptians’ farewell tour, but it was not how he would have wanted it to go.
A big chance was squandered in the first half, and he missed a penalty in the second, with very little outside of those moments.
Florian Wirtz – 4
Perhaps the Reds’ most dangerous forward of the afternoon, but in reality, it wasn’t much for the Etihad outfit to deal with.
He had a few chances in the second half to make the change, but he was unable to deliver for Slot’s side.
Hugo Ekitike – 3
He showed strong signs in the opening minutes, but holding onto the ball has been his downfall today.
He had a good chance to score when the score was 0-0; however, it was high and wide, which could have been an important goal in this affair.
Substitutes
Jeremie Frimpong – 4
He didn’t put a foot wrong when being introduced, and they didn’t concede another, but he failed to make any sort of impact.
He was utilised in more attacking areas, but nothing came from it.
Alexis Mac Allister – 4
Another substitute who arguably made the Reds a bit stronger in the middle of the park, but nothing was in threat to the home side.
Likely make a return to the starting XI against PSG after Jones failed to capitalise on his chance.
Rio Ngumhoa – 3
Linked up with Frimpong out on the right and tried to change the game. They weren’t able to do so.
Normally able to change the game from the bench, however, the circumstances in the game made it a tough challenge.
Cody Gakpo – 3
The Dutch winger was brought on for Ekitike, and while the Frenchman held onto the ball for extended periods, he was involved.
Gakpo had very little of the ball, and when he did, nothing special came from the left wing.
Federico Chiesa – 3
The Italian’s sub was more about Slot throwing more forwards on the pitch, as he has done throughout the season.
And just like every other game, it hasn’t worked with them all covering each other’s space; this was what the final 10 minutes were like for Chiesa.
Arne Slot – 1
Some may argue it’s harsh on the boss with the players not performing on the pitch. That doesn’t change the fact that Liverpool are currently awful on the pitch with their feet and their brain.
The Reds’ were in control until the penalty when they self-imploded. They seem out of energy as soon as the second half kicks off every game, and getting not just beaten, but embarassed by a Man City side that has already beat them twice this season is not a good look.
Liverpool have lost 15 games this season, just three from Brendan Rodgers’ record in 2014-15. The Dutch manager has a better squad and a fanbase that had more belief behind him at the beginning of the season.
The balloon seems to have burst for a lot within the fan base, and if Liverpool face a similar result in Paris, I believe even the most optimistic fans will finally have had enough of the Reds’ tragic displays.
