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Manchester City are looking to retain their Premier League title and the Cityzens showed they could really accomplish the same over the weekend. Despite being held to a 2-2 draw at Liverpool, Pep Guardiola's side seemingly sealed themselves as the team to beat.
Sadio Mane handed Liverpool the lead early in the second half before Phil Foden pulled Manchester City level. Mohamed Salah then pulled off some magic with a stunning solo goal but that too was canceled out after Kevin de Bruyne struck in the 81sh minute.
Speaking after the game, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said:
"I’m very pleased with the way we played, the result we cannot change. The way we played in Stamford Bridge, Paris and here, shows we are a great team. When my team play the way three games - we cannot forget which team we played. Liverpool one of the best three teams in the world - you played with courage and personality like we have done - we played here at a good level."
Guardiola added:
"Today, we didn’t lose but the draw is good, we just need to continue. I pray the players come back from international break safe. In the first half they didn’t have one chance. But in the second half we knew it with their momentum, but how we reacted was brilliant. The last two times we've been here we played with huge personality. I’m so pleased with that."
Here are Manchester City's 5 best players in 2-2 draw against Liverpool:
#5 Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker was on top of his game once again and drove a lot into the final third. He looked to get Manchester City all three points towards the end and even made a stunning run, but Kevin de Bruyne's pass was blocked.
The Englishman has shown why he was bought by Pep Guardiola and continues to deliver in the big games. He was easily Manchester City's best defender against Liverpool. Walker recorded a shot, won a foul, and completed 77% of his passes against the Reds.
#4 - Rodri
The block Rodri made to deny Fabinho will very likely prove to be one of the decisive moments in the Premier League title race this season. The Spaniard was in complete control of midfield once again and made things difficult for Jordan Henderson and co. by constantly closing them down.
Rodri has been one of Manchester City's best players this season and Pep Guardiola will be hoping he can keep his form going. The 25-year-old ended the game with two tackles, a shot and 85% passing accuracy.
#3 Kevin de Bruyne
Another big game, another big performance by Kevin de Bruyne. The Belgian's goal helped Manchester City fetch a point at Anfield but he believes they were a bit lucky to get it.
"Yeah, it's a little bit lucky but we will take it. After the (Liverpool) goals we kept on the pressure and tried to get forward. Luckily a goal went in. We should be proud with the performance. It was a good game."
"It was quite intense. We played really well in the first half. In the second half Liverpool found a better way to press us. But the way we reacted to the two goals was brilliant. The way we played here at Anfield with that crowd, we should be pleased. Unfortunately we didn't win but it was a good performance."
The former Chelsea man had as many as five shots in the game but was a bit sloppy in his passing at Anfield. He ended with a 73% pass success but was the one trying to make things happen in attack as Jack Grealish failed to do anything meaningful.
#2 Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva had a crazy good September and that form continued on Sunday (October 3). The Portuguese star stood out against Chelsea and was decent against PSG but his performance at Anfield was his best this season.
Pep Guardiola was full of praise for him and said:
"There are some performances where it’s not necessary to talk about just watch. The performance speaks for itself. It was magnificent - he's a great player and an exceptional person."
While Silva failed to take a shot on Sunday (October 3), he did have 85% pass success rate and made three crucial tackles in the game.
#1 Phil Foden
Phil Foden was easily the best player on the pitch with a blue shirt on. The Manchester City star was tremendous in attack and did not give James Milner a moment's peace.
Alisson also had a tough time with Phil Foden attacking him as he was troubled by the Englishman twice. While the first shot was saved by the Brazilian keeper, Foden managed to squeeze a goal in during the second half of the game.
Pep Guardiola spoke about the youngster after the game and said:
"Phil is a special player, we know it. Fortunately he’s back now, he’s a fantastic player."
