⚽⚽Man City player ratings vs Liverpool: Kevin De Bruyne looks done! Champions’ captain goes missing as Pep Guardiola’s ship continues to sink without Erling Haaland

In a pivotal Premier League clash on February 23, 2025, Liverpool secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the table to 11 points. This defeat not only highlighted City’s ongoing struggles but also raised questions about the form of key players and the team’s dependence on injured striker Erling Haaland.

Manchester City Player Ratings:

Ederson (Goalkeeper): Made several crucial saves to keep City in the game, but was ultimately unable to prevent the two goals.

Kyle Walker (Right-Back): Struggled to contain Liverpool’s wingers and offered little going forward.

Ruben Dias (Center-Back): A solid presence in defense but was outmaneuvered during Liverpool’s counter-attacks.

Aymeric Laporte (Center-Back): Showed composure but lacked coordination with Dias, leading to defensive lapses.

João Cancelo (Left-Back): Frequently caught out of position, leaving spaces exploited by Liverpool’s attackers.

Rodri (Defensive Midfield): Worked tirelessly to shield the defense but was overwhelmed by Liverpool’s midfield dynamism.

Kevin De Bruyne (Central Midfield): A shadow of his former self, De Bruyne failed to influence the game and appeared fatigued.

Bernardo Silva (Central Midfield): Displayed energy but lacked the creative spark to break down Liverpool’s defense.

Phil Foden (Right Wing): Showed glimpses of brilliance but was largely contained by Liverpool’s defense.

Jack Grealish (Left Wing): Struggled to make an impact and was substituted in the second half.

Julian Alvarez (Striker): Isolated up front, Alvarez found it difficult to penetrate Liverpool’s solid backline.

Liverpool’s Dominance:

Liverpool’s performance was orchestrated by Mohamed Salah, who not only scored the opening goal but also provided an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s clincher. Salah’s contributions have been instrumental this season, bringing his total goal involvements to 51. The defensive duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté effectively neutralized City’s attacking threats, ensuring a clean sheet for the visitors.

Guardiola’s Post-Match Reflections:

In the post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola expressed concerns over his team’s form and the challenges they face in securing a top-four finish. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the league and emphasized the need for improvement in the upcoming fixtures. Guardiola also highlighted the impact of Haaland’s absence due to injury, noting the team’s struggle to convert possession into goals without their prolific striker.

Looking Ahead:

Manchester City’s defeat to Liverpool not only underscores their current vulnerabilities but also signifies a potential shift in Premier League dynamics. With Liverpool extending their lead and City grappling with form and injury issues, the reigning champions face an uphill battle to rejuvenate their season and secure Champions League qualification