Liverpool face a challenging task heading into the second half as they find themselves trailing 1-0 to Manchester City at halftime.
The first goal of the first 45 minutes was netted by John Stones, who managed to slot the ball into the back of the net following a cleverly executed corner by Kevin De Bruyne.
Throughout the first half, the match has been characterised by back-and-forth action, with both teams creating scoring chances and vying to increase their respective tallies.
Here is how the players performance at halftime was rated by Anfield Watch.
Caoimhin Kelleher (GK): 6
“Forced into action early on, getting down well to deny Julian Alvarez before palming Kevin De Bruyne’s venomous effort to safety. However, was caught out at his near post for the opener.”
Conor Bradley (RB): 6
“Caught napping a couple of times early on, leaving space at right-back to allow City to break in behind down his flank. However, grew into the game and produced Liverpool’s first chance going forward, driving at Ake before fizzing one across goal.”
Jarell Quansah (CB): 8
“Defensively sound when called upon, notably putting in an important block to deny Foden’s effort from range. Incredibly composed when in possession – something that still manages to surprise given his status as a rookie in this team.”
Virgil Van Dijk (CB): 8
“Vital intervention early on to dispossess Foden in the box, who was driving towards the Liverpool goal. Assured at the back as always – something that was demonstrated when he was being rushed by Erling Haaland, jockeying like a pro to force the Norwegian into a lacklustre effort.”
Joe Gomez (LB): 6
“Found things difficult during the opening stages against Foden, who was coming out victorious in most of the battles down that left-hand side.”
Wataru Endo (DM): 7
“Tidied things up in the six, always helping connect defence and attack.”
Alexis Mac Allister (CM): 7
“Composed as ever during the opening stages, cleaning up at the back and always looking to play forward.”
Dominik Szoboszlai (CM): 7
“Scheming throughout the half in the middle, but fluffed probably Liverpool’s biggest chance of the half, seeing his uncontested header fly over from the centre of the box.”
Harvey Elliott (RW): 7
“Bundle of energy down that right-hand side, proving his place in the starting XI.”
Darwin Nunez (ST): 6
“Not short of effort in the first half, acting as Liverpool’s main source of attacking impetus. However, strayed offside a couple of times when the Reds were in really promising positions. Also caused himself some physical harm as he flew into the post when looking to latch on to Bradley’s fizzed delivery.”
Luis Diaz (LW): 6
“Put the ball in the net only for Darwin Nunez, his assister, to be ruled offside. Showed flashes of electricity down the left but was hit and miss in his personal battles with Kyle Walker. Should have hit the target as he fizzed an effort just past the post late in the half.”
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