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Played
January 25, 2012 7:45 p.m. GMT
Anfield — Liverpool
Referee:‬ P. Dowd‎
Attendance:‬ 44590‎
 
40′ (PG) Steven Gerrard
Edin Dzeko 68′
   
 
 

Player Ratings: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City (3-2 Agg)

By Greg Stobart at Anfield

  • José Reina Paez
    8
    1
    3.00

    José Reina Paez

    Virtually a spectator for most of the game but had to pick the ball out of his net twice - and on both occasions had no chance of making a save.

  • Glen Johnson
    11
    0
    3.50

    Glen Johnson

    Constantly got forward to join the attack and played his part with a clever pass for Bellamy's goal. Comfortable defensively and communicated well with the rest of the back four.

  • Martin Skrtel
    15
    0
    3.50

    Martin Skrtel

    The Slovakian was dominant in the air against Dzeko, denying the Bosnian any time or space to pose a threat. Could have scored at the other end but saw Hart somehow keep out his toe-poked shot.

  • Daniel Agger
    13
    0
    3.50

    Daniel Agger

    The Dane was solid and composed in defence while always showing class on the ball. Played a part in the penalty award as his firm shot was blocked by Richards.

  • José Enrique
    10
    0
    3.50

    José Enrique

    Had no problems against Zabaleta in the first-half and remained solid defensively after the break. Very classy on the ball, producuing two particularly dangerous crosses and forcing Hart into action early on after bombing into the City penalty box.

  • Jordan Henderson
    9
    6
    3.00

    Jordan Henderson

    Maybe a little under the radar, but his willingness to run was vital for Liverpool's high energy gameplan. Produced a peach of a pass for Bellamy in the first-half.

  • Charlie Adam
    9
    3
    3.00

    Charlie Adam

    The Scot played some dangerous passes, particularly to Bellamy after the break as the game became increasingly stretched. Shorter passing not quite as good while he was a little fortunate not to concede a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Dzeko. Good work in the build-up to the penalty.

  • Stewart Downing
    7
    10
    2.50

    Stewart Downing

    Provided good balance on the wing but lacked confidence to take on his man while his delivery and link-up play were poor. Could have doubled Liverpool's lead in the second-half but his powerful volley was smothered by Hart.

  • Steven Gerrard
    13
    0
    3.50

    Steven Gerrard

    Kept his cool from the spot to slam an unstoppable penalty low into the corner of the net in the 41st minute. Tired in the closing stages but his experience and influence were crucial as Liverpool held on.

  • Craig Bellamy
    15
    0
    4.00

    Craig Bellamy Top of the Match

    Scored a superb goal to put Liverpool in the final, keeping his cool to fire into the net from 10 yards against his former club. Set the tone for Liverpool with his constant movement as the focal point of the hosts' attack. Always running the channels, showing great pace and goal threat. Powerful first-half shot saved by Hart after he spun away from Savic.

  • Dirk Kuyt
    7
    2
    3.00

    Dirk Kuyt

    Put in a shift and found space down the right after the break. Final ball wasn't great but produced one very good delivery for Downing.

Substitutions

  • Martin Kelly
    8
    0
    0.00

    Martin Kelly

    Replaced Bellamy in the 88th minute.

  • Andy Carroll
    6
    2
    0.00

    Andy Carroll

    Replaced Kuyt in added time.

  • Joe Hart
    7
    1
    4.00

    Joe Hart

    A stunning display from the England goalkeeper as he produced world class saves to keep City in the game, denying Jose Enrique, Skrtel and Downing with jaw-dropping athleticism. Could do nothing about Gerrard's penalty.

  • Micah Richards
    1
    4
    3.00

    Micah Richards

    Perhaps unlucky to give away the penalty after the ball bounced off his knee and onto his arm - but blocking the ball in that manner cost Liverpool. Not always great positionally but showed strength and pace against Bellamy.

  • Stefan  Savic
    3
    4
    1.50

    Stefan Savic Flop of the Match

    The Serbian had an absolute nightmare against Bellamy, looking jittery from the very first minute. Made a number of weak challenges that could have cost his side and was rightly hauled off at half-time.

  • Joleon Lescott
    1
    4
    3.00

    Joleon Lescott

    Showed good defensive instincts to clear crosses into the City area but was caught flat-footed for Bellamy's goal.

  • Aleksandar Kolarov
    2
    3
    3.00

    Aleksandar Kolarov

    Defensively vulnerable, especially in the second-half, but he was on the pitch to cause Liverpool problems at the back - and delivered with a vicious low cross for Dzeko's goal.

  • Pablo Zabaleta
    2
    3
    3.00

    Pablo Zabaleta

    A hard-working, combative display from the Argentine but lacked quality when he got forward.

  • Nigel De Jong
    2
    3
    3.00

    Nigel De Jong

    Looked as surprised as anyone in the ground after scoring just his second goal for City, a thunderous strike on the stretch from 25 yards. Snapped into tackles in midfield before being replaced by Johnson as City went in search of a goal.

  • Gareth Barry
    1
    5
    2.50

    Gareth Barry

    As ever, tidy in possession and good positionally. Sometimes seemed to find the tempo of the game difficult, particularly when Liverpool played long balls.

  • David Silva
    2
    4
    3.00

    David Silva

    Drifted into space and looked to create chances for team-mates with clever passes. Faded in the second-half and seemed to be carrying an injury in the closing stages.

  • Samir Nasri
    1
    5
    2.50

    Samir Nasri

    A quiet, ineffectual performance from the Frenchman. Worked hard was confident on the ball, but needed more cutting edge.

  • Edin  Dzeko
    1
    4
    3.00

    Edin Dzeko

    The Bosnian was virtually anonymous until he popped up in the 67th minute to tap Kolarov's cross into the net. Served as a reminder of his goal threat but on the whole he was too static.

Substitutions

  • Adam Johnson
    2
    3
    0.00

    Adam Johnson

    Replaced De Jong in the 78th minute. One tame shot saved by Reina.

  • Sergio Agüero
    2
    4
    3.00

    Sergio Agüero

    Replaced Savic at the break. Ran his socks off but couldn't get find space to fashion a real chance. Late overhead kick saved by Reina.

Results
Matchday 1
Times In IST
 
Player Ratings
Tournament
Position
Ranking
Rank/Player Position Team Rating
1. Juan MataStrikerChelsea FC3.67
2. Victor MosesMidfielderChelsea FC3.50
3. Ryan BertrandDefenderChelsea FC3.17
4. OscarMidfielderChelsea FC3.17
5. César AzpilicuetaDefenderChelsea FC3.00
6. Francis CoquelinMidfielderArsenal FC2.83
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Theo Walcott Theo Walcott
Striker
Arsenal
5 0
Andreas  Weimann Andreas Weimann
Striker
Aston Villa
4 0
C. Benteke C. Benteke
Striker
Aston Villa
4 0
Jonathan De Guzmán Jonathan De Guzmán
Midfielder
Swansea City
3 1
Luciano Becchio Luciano Becchio
Striker
Norwich City
3 1