Liverpool vs Man City player ratings: Trio gets 9 as Pep Guardiola publicly mocks

Liverpool moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table by overtaking Manchester City at Anfield. The Reds dominated from start to finish as Cody Gakpo scored the first goal after 12 minutes, before Mohamed Salah put the game to bed with a late penalty.

Arne Slot's men had chances to win the match by a bigger margin as they piled on the pressure in the final third.

They were wasteful in front of goal, but won't be bothered at all as they got their hands on the Premier League trophy with barely a third of the season gone.

And home fans even had the opportunity to taunt City boss Pep Guardiola, chanting: “You'll be sacked in the morning.” Express sport brings you the player ratings following this scintillating showdown.

Liverpool Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)

Caoimhin Kelleher: 7

Became the first Liverpool goalkeeper in 115 years to save penalties in two consecutive matches with his save from Kylian Mbappe in midweek. And he continued his good form against the Citizens, even if he was rarely threatened in all fairness.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8

Was heavily involved in Liverpool's attacking play and clipped the post with a first half effort. City might have had some joy if they had targeted him on their left, but not tested him enough. Was replaced by Jarell Quansah in the second half.

Joe Gomez: 7

Is known for his versatility and was selected at the heart of the backline ahead of Quansah as he earned his first league start of the campaign. He would have had more to do if Erling Haaland had lined up with him instead of allowing himself to be marked by Virgil van Dijk.

Virgil van Dijk: 9

He showed he is still one of the best defenders in the Premier League by keeping the danger at bay and getting the better of Haaland. I had a few chances in the corners but I couldn't get the ball back.

Andy Robertson: 7

He is still showing signs of his offensive qualities after a difficult start to the season. Played a sumptuous ball to Gakpo at the start of the second half but the Dutchman was unable to take advantage.

Ryan Gravenberch: 7

Played brilliantly under Arne Slot and produced another fine performance as City could barely get close to him. He is becoming an important part of this Reds team.

Alexis Mac Allister: 8

Whipped in a few decent corners looking for Van Dijk's header and was generally a threat on the ball. He broke loose and demonstrated his prodigious skills with the ball.

Mohamed Salah: 9

Liverpool's talisman as usual. Defenders should consider him one of the scariest players they will ever play against. He had a golden opportunity to put his team 2-0 ahead just before the hour mark, but he shot wide. He redeemed himself by keeping his cool from the penalty spot.

Dominik Szoboszlai: 9

Was instrumental in the center of the pitch with his physicality and power and controlled the game as he looked to turn defense into attack and push his team forward.

Cody Gakpo: 8

I tried to put myself in good attacking positions and make things happen in front of goal. He couldn't really miss Salah's kick-off for the opener, but he showed his talent with the run in the first place. Make a good change before Darwin Nunez comes in instead.

Luis Diaz: 7

Was quiet in the final third and Slot might have been better off selecting Darwin Nunez from the start. But he won the penalty because he was too quick for Stefan Ortega.

Replacements

Darwin Nuñez: 6

Jarell Quansah: 6

Curtis Jones: 6

Harvey Elliott: 6