Posted: 21:21, July 30, 2022 | Updated: 02:52, 31 July 2022
Liverpool produced a promising display for the neutrals on Saturday as they beat Manchester City 3-1 in the Community Shield. They looked sharper than their opponents as goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez saw them edge past Julian Alvarez’s strike. The trophy means Jurgen Klopp has now won every honor available to him in English football. Sportsmail took a close look at how each player got on in English football’s traditional curtain call. Darwin Nunez put in an impressive performance off the bench to score a late goal
Liverpool
Hadrian He didn’t have much to do as City lacked clarity in front of goal, avoided shouting and couldn’t do much about City’s goal. 6 Trent Alexander-Arnold He took the opening goal well and generally stretched a team that struggled to shut down Liverpool’s backs. 8 Joel Matip Overall he had a good performance, but at times he looked unsettled by De Bruyne and Haaland. 7 Virgil van Dijk Enjoyed a fairly comfortable afternoon but was rarely tested by City’s forwards. 6.5 Andrew Robertson Something of an anonymous game for the Scot but he made a few mistakes. 6.5 Jordan Henderson He played well without showing any of the flair he carried into his game last season. 7.5 Jordan Henderson was solid if not spectacular as his side beat Manchester City 3-1 Fabinho He kept De Bruyne quiet throughout and looked confident despite the quality of the opposition. 7 Tiago He troubled a defense that still seemed to be finding its feet with his trademark accurate passing. 7 Mo Salah He threatened throughout the game with his famously quick feet and scored an important penalty. 8 Mo Salah scored from the penalty spot and looked dangerous throughout the game Roberto Firmino He didn’t do much wrong, but he stood out from his second-half substitution. 6.5 Darwin Nunez He proved to be a great focal point after his rise to the bench. Beat Liverpool with a penalty and scored a late goal. 8.5 Luis Diaz He didn’t set the world on fire, but he did well to keep City’s defense under pressure. 7 City of Manchester Anderson He wouldn’t be able to do much for the goals and prove an assured presence in an otherwise flawless defence. 6.5 Ederson played well enough but will be disappointed to concede three goals Kyle Walker He showed his experience with a solid performance but could do more to contain Liverpool. 7 Reuben Days Played well but didn’t look overly confident in a partnership with Nathan Ake. 6 Nathan Ake He didn’t make any glaring mistakes, but perhaps lacked a bit of sharpness against Liverpool’s top strikers. 6 Nathan Ake looked a little rusty but didn’t make any glaring mistakes in the match Joao Cancelo Put in a vaguely disappointing 90 minutes after being such a key player at the Etihad last season. 5.5 Kevin De Bruyne Had a couple of chances and looked the most likely to break Liverpool open, but was well below his best. 7 Ilkay Gundogan He failed to make much of an impact but would have benefited from playing time. 6 rodri Struggled to dictate things in midfield but was not embarrassed. 6 Bernard Silva Looked bright at times, but his recent lack of playing time showed. 7 Riyad Mahrez Moved well at times but also looked sloppy and struggled to make an impact. 5.5 Julian Alvarez He got City back into the game with a goal off the bench and looked lively for the forty minutes he played. 7 Erling Haaland He would have been disappointed to miss two clear chances, but impressed with his strength and movement. 6.5 Jack Grealish He lacked the creative spark he is famous for and was criticized by Roy Keane for not taking enough risks. 5.5 Jack Grealish played cautiously and failed to make much of an impact in the process Phil Foden He brought energy to City as a sub and played in the best spell of the game but failed to produce any real quality. 7
