Nearly an hour before their big match against Liverpool, Arsenal had dropped a stunner at West Bromwich Albion to give Manchester City a chance to take the No. 1 ranking on the table all for themselves. Rather than capitalize on the opportunity against a reeling Liverpool team, Manuel Pellegrini’s side dropped the ball.
An early own goal from Eliaquim Mangala made fans at the Etihad bow their heads in shame, a goal from Philippe Coutinho 15 minutes later made their jaws drop, and a goal from Roberto Firmino just minutes later made them weep.
Though Sergio Aguero scored an incredible goal to end the half, Manchester City were unable to build off the momentum and ultimately gave up a fourth goal to Martin Skrtel to secure the devastating 4-1 loss that dropped them from first to third place on the table.
Here are the Manchester City player ratings:
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GK Joe Hart – 5/10
Rough day for Hart, who had to play against his own teammates at times. The difference between his first- and second-half performances were night and day though.
DF Aleksandar Kolarov – 4/10
Kolarov had several big corner kicks but failed to make an impact against a determined Liverpool side.
DF Eliaquim Mangala – 2/10
With easily the dumbest play of the match, Mangala was sub-par in this match.
DF Martin Demichelis – 6/10
Managed to clear the ball an impressive whopping seven times and appeared to be the only Man City defender determined not to mess up.
DF Bacary Sagna – 1/10
Seriously, what did Sagna do in this match besides let Liverpool players get past him?
MF Raheem Sterling – 5/10
A lot of attention had been given to how Sterling would play against his former team. The answer: Not that great.
MF Yaya Toure – 5.5/10
Led the team in passes in the first half, but Pellegrini didn’t like Toure’s form and subbed him out for Fernandinho at half-time.
MF Fernando – 6/10
Fernando conceded three fouls but drew three of them. Also had some shots that were easily defended.
MF Jesus Navas – 5/10
Struggled to get to the ball in the first half and was inaccurate distributing the ball. Maybe not have deserved the half-time benching, but Navas wasn’t his usual self.
MF Kevin De Bruyne – 6/10
Despite controlling the ball longer than anyone else, De Bruyne struggled to do anything with it.
FW Sergio Aguero – 9/10
A goal of the week nominee, that shot was made with absolute surgical precision…just a shame that he couldn’t have even one or two if his teammates on the same level.
Substitutes:
Fernandinho – 5/10
In for Yaya Toure, Fernandinho drew a foul and made a shot but made precious few plays on the ball.
Fabian Delph – 4/10
Replacing Jesus Navas, Delph made no noticeable impact
Iheaneacho – 4/10
A surprising sub in the middle of the second half to replace Aguero. Iheaneacho only managed a single shot in more than 20 minutes on the pitch.