PLAYER RATINGS: MANCHESTER CITY 2-3 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool sealed qualification to their first FA Cup final since 2012 after beating City 3-2 at Wembley. An incredible first half saw the Reds go 3-0 up, before Grealish and Bernardo Silva caused late nerves with goals in the second half. Here are player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 8

Started very sloppily, passed it straight to a blue shirt on three different occasions. When he was called upon to make saves, he did. He twice denied Jesus when he was through on goal. The second in particular was crucial as it would have made it 3-2 with 20 minutes left. Unlucky with their second goal as his save rebounded to Silva. Made the save from Sterling’s shot in stoppage time to calm everyone down.

Alexander-Arnold – 8

Rock solid defensively as he kept Grealish quiet. City got nothing out of him today. He was unlucky not to clear Grealish’s goal off the line. He played some sensational passes and was involved in Mané’s second of the game.

Konaté – 8.5

A slight surprise to see him start but he was strong at the back. Scored his third goal in as many games with another towering header. Kept Sterling under wraps. Gave the ball away cheaply for the second Jesus chance but was otherwise reliable. At just 22 he’s got a bright future ahead of him.

Van Dijk – 7.5

Stepped out of the defence for the first Jesus chance but did well to recover and force him wide. Took himself out of play when he slid in and failed to cut out a pass to Jesus for their first goal. Crucial block to deflect Fernandinho’s shot in added time.

Robertson – 7.5

Great outswinging delivery for Konaté to break the deadlock. Played well but was at fault for their two goals. He gave the ball away on the left wing for the first and then pressed high, leaving a gaping hole for Jesus to run into. He was then too easily beaten by Mahrez for the second. Could have been stronger in the duel but perhaps feared giving away a pen. Played an excellent ball over the top for Diaz second half.

Fabinho – 8.5

Much better today. Won more than his fair share of 50-50s in the middle of the park and was composed with his passing. There was a period at 3-1 in the second half where it seemed like he was on a one man mission to intercept every attempt City made to attack. Tired late on. Did well not to give away any fouls after picking up an early booking.

Keita – 8.5

The manager’s selection paid off big time as Naby harassed Silva in midfield and gave him no time whatsoever on the ball. He won back possession a number of times and contributed to the Reds disrupting City’s slow possession based buildup. This was another statement performance by Naby. Replaced by the skipper late on.

Thiago – 9

With De Bruyne not starting, Thiago was the most technically gifted midfielder on show today and he showcased his full array of talents. He ran the show and they couldn’t get anywhere near him. Anytime they pressed him he just dropped a shoulder and eased out of the tight spot before finding a raking pass. Got the assist for Mané’s second. We lost control when he went off.

Salah – 7

Try as he might, it just doesn’t seem to happen for him. Had a good few chances in the second half to end his drought but couldn’t. Played well though, kept Zinchenko and Ake on their toes with his runs in behind.

Mané – 9

He was on it from the first whistle. He seems to enjoy this new striking role as he’s got an excellent record when playing down the middle. Closed down Steffen to force the goal before unleashing a curling volley past him to make it 3-0. He dropped deep and was able to receive the ball between the lines and turn. Put in loads of effort today, a really special performance.

Diaz – 8.5

His quick feet and direct running offered the side an outlet down the left wing as he pinned Cancelo back. His first touch is so so good. Was involved in the move that led to the third goal. Switched around with Mané at times and played through the middle. His pass led to Salah clipping the side netting after Zinchenko’s error.

Substitutes

Henderson – 6

Couldn’t get to Trent’s chested down pass, one long ball later and Mahrez was running beyond Robbo for City’s second. The skipper twice had an opportunity to release a teammate but his lofted passes forward were overhit.

Firmino – N/A

It is that lack of ruthlessness that lets him down at times. Should have made it 4-2 in injury time, but just like against Benfica, couldn’t capitalise on a stranded goalkeeper.

Jota – N/A

Did he even get a touch?

Jones – N/A

Enjoyed a few touches in midfield. Got in Konaté’s way from their corner and the ball fell to Fernandinho whose shot was charged down.

Jürgen Klopp

The manager made three changes to the side that drew at the Etihad, with Konaté coming in at the back ahead of Matip. Naby Keita was preferred to Henderson in midfield, with Luis Diaz starting over Jota in attack. That meant Sadio Mané played down the middle with Diaz and Mo either side. Pq

His selection worked a treat as the Reds went 3-0 up. The changes didn’t have an effect on the game as control was lost in the middle of the park after Keita and Thiago’s withdrawal. City scored to make it interesting late on but it’s job done. The Reds are through to the FA Cup final where they will face either Chelsea or Crystal Palace.