Ross – @rossic89
There we have it, for all they hype, drama and individual battles….a draw. Although to be fair, on reflection, a very entertaining one! Your overall feeling will ultimately depend on your outlook. Two points dropped? Possibly. But with Kevin missing a pen just before half time you could say it was a well earned point.
A proper slog for me and by that I mean two heavy weight boxers slogging it out, punch for punch and by the end of it, everyone was just goosed! We still maintained that gap between us and City and a look back at the fixtures and the teams we have played should make you satisfied with the league position.
Onto ANOTHER international break!
Remember, these ratings are just opinions. They in no way have any effect on your life. Don’t get angry. Just let me know yours in the comments below.
Alisson – 8
Potential MOTM from Alisson, although there are others in the conversation. Big save in the first half along with several crucial ball collections as City looked to fire low balls across the six-yard-box. Calm, assured and dominant in his area and off his line.
Trent – 7.5
Unlucky for the goal there, will be proper annoyed with that. Restricted going forward as he had to deal with Sterling which I thought he did relatively well. Had a free-kick which was a bit of a sighter and then unfortunately went off injured. Hope he’s alright like.
Gomez – 7.5
Sound for me today, extremely harsh and unlucky for the pen which hit his elbow. We can get onto that another day. City gave it their all and had little to show for it which is a good reflection on Joel and Joe.
Matip – 8
Really impressed with Joel today considering he’s had no game time between injuries. Dominant in the air and on the ground, besides his yellow card. Only criticism of him was his passing, at times, was a bit off but that comes back to having that game to shake of any rustiness. My MOTM.
Robbo – 8
Relentless from Robbo again today and his overlapping runs cannot be underestimated whether he gets the ball or not. He asked a question of Kyle Walker which let Sadio cuts inside and win the pen.
Hendo – 8
Again the energy fro Hendo on and off the ball was exceptional today, even more so as we played a slightly altered formation with different people. Pushed for everything going forward, made himself an option, pressed like a mad man and still got back to protect the back four.
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Gini – 7.5
Mixed response on Twitter for Gini. Showed his strengths, literally, in protecting the ball, retaining possession and when appropriate he drove forward with the ball. Had one or two moments which I think are sticking in peoples minds of losing possession when the ball was caught under his feet.
Jota – 7
A different role for Jota today, not out wide on that left side causing damage but played to protect that right hand side to nullify the City attacks. Can’t score hat-tricks every game to be fair to him. Pep Lijnders described him as a pressing monster and that is exactly what he was brought on to do today!
Mane – 8
Love Sadio’s performance today. He might not have been as prolific of had as many chances but he still plays the same dogged, determined and intense way. Wins the pen and countless other free kicks in dangerous positions by being a nuisance.
Salah – 7.5
Lashed the pen home, no doubt about that at all. Like Sadio it was about winning the ball high up the pitch and waiting for the cavalry to arrive, which seemed to get less and less and the game went on.
Bobby – 6.5
Still not happening for our Bobby is it? Just lacked that killer touch and instinct we know he has. Could be tiredness, could be confidence. Could be both. I don’t think he was shite. But he didn’t set the game alight either.
Subs
Shaqiri – 6
Half an hour for Shaq today. Was ok, we needed someone to provide that clinical, crucial pass and it could have been him. Not to be today.
Milner – 6
Just shy of half an hour for Milner, replacing the injured Trent. Thought he was fine. He will always be scrutinised for not being Trent or playing the same balls, but that isn’t his game. Defensively sound.
Ross – @rossic89
