Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Man City as Ekitike and Konate struggle

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Liverpool suffering another bruising defeat on Sunday as the Premier League champions was beaten 3-0 by Manchester City.

This was total domination from Pep Guardiola's side as Erling Haaland netted a first-half header not long after seeing a penalty saved. Nico Gonzalez added a second just before the break, and then Jeremy Doku, the game's outstanding performer scored a sublime goal from distance in the 63rd minute.

This was a day to forget for Arne Slot, as Liverpool lost further ground on the league leaders and put in the sort of display that means few now back the Reds to retain their Premier League crown.

Winners

Jeremy Doku put in one of the best performances you're likely to from any individual this season, with the winger causing problems down Liverpool's right flank all game. In the title race, this was a day for City to celebrate as it moved up to second and saw the gap to leaders Arsenal cut to just four points.

Losers

Ibrahima Konate had another stinker in a season that has been punctuated by underwhelming performances. Alexis Mac Allister also struggled in mdifield, while Hugo Ekitike barely got involved.

Player ratings

Giorgi Mamardashvili (5). Conceded a penalty after he clipped Jeremy Doku in the box, in what felt a harsh decision. But the keeper made up for the error by saving Erling Haaland's spot-kick. Kicking

Conor Bradley (6). Had a tough afternoon up against Doku, but held his own in the battle with the tricky winger. He made a great tackle to stop Doku just before half-time. The defender also fired in several dangerous crosses, one of which should really have been converted by Cody Gakpo at the back post

Ibrahima Konate (3). It was his error that led to City's early penalty, as he clumsily cleared the ball off Doku, and the defender lost his aerial duel against Haaland, which resulted in City's 29th-minute opener. He also failed to close Doku down for City's third goal.

Virgil van Dijk (4). Saw his towering header from a corner ruled out as Andy Robertson was deemed to be influencing the goalkeeper in an offside position. City's second goal deflected into the net from a lazy Van Dijk leg that was dangled out, giving Mamardashvili no chance in the away goal.

Andy Robertson (5). One of Liverpool's better performers and he didn't make many errors at the back. He linked with Wirtz on a few occasions. With Liverpool trailing, Slot withdrew the defender in place of the more offensive Milos Kerkez.

Ryan Gravenberch (5). Far off his standards in the opening period. The midfielder's usual passing range was lacking, but he improved in the second period and provided more of his surging runs.

Alexis Mac Allister (4). Booked for a swipe at Doku midway through the first half. Like Gravenberch, Mac Allister was ineffective in possession.

Dominik Szoboszlai (5). Another that wasn't at his best and struggled to deal with the intensity of City's midfield. The Hungary captain saw a powerful second-half strike denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Mohamed Salah (5). Had some bright moments against Nico O'Reilly in the first period but offered little after the break.

Hugo Ekitike (3). Struggled to get involved and was well marshaled by the City defense. The striker managed just 11 touches at the Etihad and was replaced after 56 minutes.

Florian Wirtz (5). Nico Gonzalez and Bernardo Silva were both booked for hauling down the German in the first period.