Liverpool 3 Man City 1 player ratings: Fabinho dominates midfield while Claudio Bravo proves why he is backup keeper
VAR controversy reigned once again as Liverpool romped to a 3-1 victory over Man City at Anfield in the biggest game of the season so far.
Trent Alexander-Arnold handled the ball in the Reds' box on five minutes and within the blink of an eye, Fabinho was rifling Liverpool's opener at the other end.
Mo Salah added Liverpool's second just seven minutes later with a slick header despite suspicions of a hairline offside in the build up.
And Sadio Mane nodded in Jordan Henderson's perfect cross just six minutes into the second-half to put the game beyond City.
Bernardo Silva added a consolation for the frustrated champions with 12 minutes to go but it was too little too late.
Liverpool move eight points clear at the top of the League with the win and nine above City.
And here's what William Pugh thought of both teams' individual performances at Anfield.
LIVERPOOL
ALISSON - 6
Slipped attempting a clearance early on. Didn't have too much to do for most of the first-half. Couldn't have done much for Silva's consolation though it was at his near post.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD - 7
Extremely lucky to escape a clear handball in build up to the Reds' opening goal. Great switch to Robertson for the second. Resorted to fouling Sterling on occasion as he struggled to deal with his England colleague at times. Passing exceptional though.
DEJAN LOVREN - 5
Did not stand out as a star performer though he helped his team defend resolutely after they took an early lead.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK - 6
Done well to limit Aguero to half chances throughout. Fairly solid against City onslaught.
ANDREW ROBERTSON - 7
Lovely whipped cross for Salah's header in the first-half. Played a key role in many counter attacks throughout as he always does.
JORDAN HENDERSON (subbed off) - 6
Barely noticed he was on the pitch during the first 45. One of the best crosses of the season for Liverpool's third when he picked out Mane at the back post. Taken off on the hour mark.
FABINHO - 8
Absolute rocket of an effort to open the scoring early. Lucky to escape a booking for a cynical foul on Gundogan in the first-half. Provided a calming presence in the middle of the park for the remainder.
GIGI WIJNALDUM - 5
Was on the pitch but the game was mainly played in the wide areas so not particularly involved. Overshadowed by Fabinho.
MO SALAH (subbed off) - 7
Seemingly perfectly timed run to double Liverpool's lead inside 15 minutes with a classy cushioned header back across Bravo's goal. Worried City on the counter attack throughout and made City's stand-in left-back Angelino look silly.
ROBERTO FIRMINO (subbed off) - 5
Couple of half chances before the break. Was out performed by his impressive teammates.
SADIO MANE - 7
Very quiet first-half as most of the attacks went down Liverpool's right with Salah. But was right place at the right time to nod in Henderson's inch perfect cross to make it 3-0.
SUBS
JAMES MILNER (subbed on for Henderson, 60 mins) - 5
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN (subbed on for Firmino, 78 mins) - 5
JOE GOMEZ (subbed on for Salah, 85 mins) - 5
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MAN CITY
CLAUDIO BRAVO - 4
Criticised by some for Liverpool's opener but it was well hit by Fabinho. Looked a little nervous with ball at his feet on occasion. A decent keeper does better for Mane's header but Bravo was beaten at his near post. Perhaps he trains with West Ham's keeper Roberto.
KYLE WALKER - 5
Nothing of note. Stunned by Liverpool's goals, Mane scored the third on his side but Henderson's cross was so good it's hard to give him stick.
JOHN STONES - 5
Uneventful night, looks like he will be playing for an Everton type team again soon.
FERNANDINHO - 6
Hard to criticise for Liverpool's first two goals but made a good tackle on Salah to prevent danger in the first half. Did not look too out of place at centre-half.
ANGELINO - 4
Hit the post after a dangerous foray into Liverpool's half before the break. But looked woefully out of position on plenty of occasions as Salah ran riot.
ILKAY GUNDOGAN - 5
Fabinho was the central midfield master on the night, Gundogan struggled to have an impact though most of the game was played in the wide areas.
RODRI - 4
Was booked for dissent in the second-half which was his biggest contribution of the afternoon.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE - 5
Few sub par deliveries early in the game which were out of character. Fairly non-existent in the second period too as his side chased the game. Disappointing.
BERNARDO SILVA - 7
Industrious as ever. Took his consolation goal well late on. Looked dangerous when City probed forward. On a different day he could have been part of two or three goals.
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SERGIO AGUERO (subbed off) - 6
Worked himself some good positions in the first-half but finishing quality was uncharacteristically poor. His Anfield record is terrible and that appeared to be playing on his mind.
RAHEEM STERLING - 7
Cut a frustrated figure in the first period. Was industrious in trying to create chances but should have done better with a header in front of the Kop. Was City's best player in the second-half as he relentlessly drove forward to try and get his team back into the game. Can hold his head up high.
SUBS
GABRIEL JESUS (subbed on for Aguero, 70 mins) - 6
