Liverpool player ratings vs Man City: 'All over place' 3/10, so many 4/10s and just one 7/10 in 3-0 loss

Liverpool’s chances of defending the Premier League title have virtually ended after suffering a 3-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The Reds were second-best in all departments and find themselves eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal after 11 games - a gap that looks well too large to bridge despite more than two-thirds of the season remaining. Arne Slot’s side could have few complaints about the heavy defeat, with City also missing a penalty, as Liverpool slipped to a fifth league loss in six matches.

Match report

Liverpool started the game sluggishly and City were given a golden chance to open the scoring in the 11th minute. A defensive mix-up between Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate allowed Jeremy Doku to burst into the Reds’ box and he went down after goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili rushed off his line. A VAR review deemed that Mamardashvili had fouled Doku and referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty.

Erling Haaland stepped up in a bid to break the deadlock but his spot-kick was well read by Mamardashvili to keep the game goalless.

But City continued to press their foot on the gas, with Rayan Cherki having a shot deflected over and Mamardashvili saving a Doku effort at the near post.

When the home side took the lead in the 29th minute, it was no surprise. Matheus Nunes whipped in a cross and Haaland was allowed acres of space inside the box to head home.

Against the run of play, Liverpool thought they equalised on 38 minutes when Virgil van Dijk powerfully headed home Mo Salah’s corner. However, Andy Robertson was standing in an offside position and adjudged to have impeded the vision of City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

And in stoppage-time, City deservedly doubled their advantage. Nico Gonzalez was afforded too much time and space to shoot, with his effort deflecting off the outstretched boot of Van Dijk and leaving Mamardashvili helpless.

Liverpool did muster somewhat of a response after the break and Cody Gakpo spurned a gilt-edged opportunity when picked out by Bradley at the back post but he blazed over the crossbar.

That miss was duly punished by City when they put the game to rest in the 63rd minute. Man-of-the-match Doku was afforded far too much space on the edge of Liverpool’s box and he curled a shot home beyond the reach of Mamardashvili.

Liverpool did have some chances to at least reduce the deficit, with Salah prodding wide when latching onto a Milos Kerkez header. But the Reds got what they deserved and could have no complaints.

It means that any hopes of defending the English championship - and moving clear of Manchester United on 21 titles won in history - have all but been ended by November’s international break.

Liverpool player ratings vs Man City.