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November 27, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Anfield — Liverpool
Referee: M. Atkinson
Attendance: 45071
Player Ratings: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
The visitors held on with 10 men in the face of a late onslaught to remain unbeaten in the Premier League and restore their five-point lead at the top
By Greg Stobart at Anfield
Sharp on his toes to smother as Aguero pounced on a loose backpass and again denied the Argentine on the stroke of half-time. Spent a lot of his time charging out of goal, but his approach seemed to work.
Another impressive display after his match-winning goal at Chelsea seven days earlier. Dealt with everything thrown at him defensively and bombed forward as the Reds applied pressure in the second half.
Comfortable in possession and positionally sound throughout the game. Made one glaring mistake but Reina saved his blushes after a badly underhit backpass.
A commanding display from the Danish centre-back as time and again he made the right decision. Excellent anticipation of the play to marshal Aguero and timed his challenges impeccably.
Dovetailed nicely with Agger to ward off City attacks, including a late clearance off the line to deny Silva. Superb in the air and could have scored had he got more contact on his shot from close-range.
A timid, almost anonymous performance as the summer signing struggled to make any real impact on the game.
The winger returned to the starting line-up and provided balance on the left side for the hosts. Didn't have the pace to take on Richards but linked up well with Enrique and put in some dangerous deliveries.
A hugely impressive performance from the Brazilian as he made a number of crucial interceptions and tackles, while keeping his passing economical. Played an absolutely crucial role in denying the likes of Silva and Nasri space in between the hosts' defence and midfield.
The Scot was rewarded for his confidence in shooting from range in the 33rd minute as Lescott deflected his off-target shot into his own net. Looked capable of causing Liverpool problems when he found space but struggled when put under instant pressure by the City midfielders.
The best striker on the pitch as caused City countless problems with his movement and link-up play. Created opportunities for team-mates with his skill and vision but blasted his only clear chance well off target.
The Dutchman worked hard but didn't have his best day. Lost Kompany for City's opener and lacked the necessary guile and composure in the second-half. Replaced by Carroll six minutes from time.
Came on as a substitute in the 84th minute to replace Kuyt and unlucky that his brilliant header in added time was kept out by Hart.
The England No.1 made a wonderful late save to keep out Carroll's powerful header to add to earlier fine stops which denied Downing and Suarez. Could do nothing about Liverpool's goal after being wrong-footed by the deflection.
Caught out positionally on a couple of occasions but his pace and power is such that he was able to make amends. Handled Downing well but perhaps didn't offer his usual level of attacking threat.
The City captain had a mixed afternoon despite putting the visitors ahead in the 31st when he glanced home Silva's corner with his shoulder. Didn't seem to enjoy playing against Suarez and constantly lunged into tackles on the Uruguayan, one of which resulted in a booking.
Stuck out a stray leg to divert Adam's shot into his own net as Liverpool equalised in the 33rd minute. Sometimes seemed to lose track of Suarez's movement but was generally strong and imposing at the back.
Put forward his claim to be regarded as City's first choice left-back with a confident display. Dealt comfortably with Kuyt and used the ball well.
An energetic, committed display from the midfielder but he lacked creativity in the final third.
Sat at the base of the City midfield and was a calming influence. Didn't have the eye-catching ball-winning ability of Lucas but showed good anticipation and started attacks with neat, accurate passes.
The Frenchman never found the space he wanted to influence the game in the final third and was replaced by Balotelli in the 65th minute.
Always looked the man most likely to make something happen for City despite close attention from the Liverpool players. Drifted all over the pitch to link play and delivered a vicious corner for Kompany's opener. Jinked in the Liverpool penalty area late on but shot was cleared off the line by Skrtel.
The Ivorian produced the occasional impressive run and worked hard defensively without ever looking like he would take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Threatened in the first-half with his pace and dribbling ability but faded badly after the break before being replaced by Dzeko in the 82nd minute.
Replaced Silva in the final minute.
Replaced Aguero in the 82nd minute and created an excellent chance for Silva with a strong run and shot.
Sent off for two bookings within 20 minutes of replacing Nasri in the 65th minute. Could have no arguments about his yellow card for tugging back Johnson; perhaps a little unfortunate that the referee judged he raised an elbow to Skrtel but it was a silly challenge given the circumstances.
| Tournament | |
| Position | |
| Ranking |
| Rank/Player | Position | Team | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Robin van Persie | Striker | Arsenal | 3.44 |
| 2. Wayne Rooney | Striker | Manchester United | 3.41 |
| 3. Kun Agüero | Striker | Manchester City | 3.39 |
| 4. David Silva | Striker | Manchester City | 3.39 |
| 5. Victor Moses | Midfielder | Wigan Athletic | 3.38 |
| 6. David Stockdale | Goalkeeper | Fulham | 3.38 |
| 7. Juan Mata | Striker | Chelsea | 3.38 |
| 8. Gareth Bale | Midfielder | Tottenham | 3.38 |
| 9. Luis Suárez | Striker | Liverpool | 3.36 |
| 10. Lucas | Midfielder | Liverpool | 3.36 |
| 11. Antonio Valencia | Midfielder | Manchester United | 3.35 |
| 12. Paul Scholes | Midfielder | Manchester United | 3.33 |
| 13. Scott Parker | Midfielder | Tottenham | 3.33 |
| 14. Vincent Kompany | Defender | Manchester City | 3.32 |
| 15. Luka Modric | Midfielder | Tottenham | 3.32 |
| 16. Shaun Maloney | Striker | Wigan Athletic | 3.31 |
| 17. Nemanja Vidic | Defender | Manchester United | 3.30 |
| 18. Radek Cerny | Goalkeeper | QPR | 3.30 |
| 19. Steven Pienaar | Midfielder | Everton | 3.27 |
| 20. Papiss Cissé | Striker | Newcastle | 3.27 |
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Robin van Persie
Striker Arsenal |
30 | 2 |
|
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Wayne Rooney
Striker Man United |
27 | 6 |
|
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Kun Agüero
Striker Man City |
23 | 3 |
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Aiyegbeni Yakubu
Striker Blackburn Rovers |
17 | 4 |
|
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Emmanuel Adebayor
Striker Tottenham |
17 | 3 |

