PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 3-1 MANCHESTER CITY

Liverpool clinched the Community Shield after beating Manchester City 3-1 at the King Power stadium. Trent broke the deadlock in the first half before Alvarez equalised in the second. Darwin Nunez came on to win a penalty and score the clinching third.

Here are player ratings from the match.

Adrian – 7.5

He made a number of saves, most impressive being the early one from Haaland and then late on from Foden’s shot on the edge of the box. His handling was good but should have done better for the goal. His distribution was not great but he kept it simple and went long. Steady display, not more you can ask of a third choice.

Alexander-Arnold – 8.5

Opened the scoring with a whipped shot from the edge of the area that took a nick off Ake. Was superb first half especially, as he bombed on to good effect. A few sloppy passes at times but that’s to be expected with it still being pre-season. Tried to get back to thwart the Foden shot but Alvarez scored from the rebound.

Matip – 9

He stood up tall to the challenge. Always there to get a boot in to nick the ball away. He single handedly halted some dangerous breaks. Carried the ball out well like he does at times. So so underrated.

Van Dijk – 8.5

Haaland surprisingly chose to play on Virgil. He didn’t get a sniff. The big man kept him under wraps. Virgil was on hand to clear any danger in the box, and oozed calm and leadership.

Robertson – 8.5

Handled Mahrez as well as he could. Provided energy down the left flank. Should have headed Trent’s pickout across goal when he headed into the side netting. He didn’t repeat that mistake late on when he nodded Salah’s ball back across goal for Darwin. Made some crucial interceptions in defence.

Fabinho – 8

Rock solid today. Always at their heel when they tried to progress. Penalised for so many fouls but avoided a booking. Played a sensational ball over the top for Salah early on.

Henderson – 8

Incredible energy on display by the skipper. He led the press with zest and snapped at City heels throughout. He may not be the silkiest on the ball but he more than makes up for it with sheer desire and intensity. Excellent slide rule pass for Darwin’s first chance.

Thiago – 9

Absolutely filthy on the ball is Thiago. So many times Rodri tried to get tight but the maestro just rolled away from him every time. He gave us a platform to dominate the early exchanges with his bravery to receive the ball in tight areas and pick forward passes. Tigerish in the press as well.

Salah – 9.5

Started like a house on fire. Absolutely rinsed Cancelo early on but was unlucky to see his shot go into the side netting. He went quiet in the closing stages of the first half but came to life again with the introduction of Darwin as he combined well with him to win the penalty. Slotted it with aplomb of course. Played a lovely ball to Robbo for the third goal. Supreme.

Firmino – 7.5

Pressed his absolute socks off, which can be a thankless task against this technical City side. Could have done better with a shot he snatched at first half. Did his job and went off for Darwin’s debut.

Diaz – 8

Must have lungs of a horse. The number of high intensity sprints he put through today was astonishing. It wasn’t always for the fancy stuff either as he defended Kyle Walker excellently. Tired late on and gave the ball away which led to their equaliser. Left Rodri for dead on one mazy run.

Substitutes

Nunez – 9.5

Immediately offered more of a goal threat. His first involvement saw him break through and go down under a challenge from Ederson. He went close again when he won the ball back and was played through by Henderson. His finish hit Ederson in the face.

He then showed his prowess in the air when his headed attempt was blocked by Dias’s outstretched arm for a penalty. Headed narrowly wide from a Milner cross. Got the goal he deserved when he directed Robbo’s knockdown past the keeper. Define dream debut!

Milner – 7

Was great at right back, didn’t give Foden a sniff. Combined well with Harvey. Excellent cross to the big man in the box.

Elliott – 7

Wasn’t shy to get on the ball and play. Lost it once or twice as he was muscled off it but it was a positive cameo.

Carvalho – 7

Came on for the tiring Diaz on the left wing. Showed good pace in tracking Walker’s overlapping runs. Showed composure to pick out Salah in the buildup to the third.

Keita – 7

Came on for Thiago late on.

Jones – N/A

On for Mo deep into added time.

Jürgen Klopp

Chose to start Bobby and the Brazilian repaid the decision with a pressing masterclass. Darwin then came off the bench to do what he did. Gave a lot of m Perfect day really. First piece of silverware of the campaign. On to the Premier League.