Liverpool vs Man City: Who Must 'Do Better'?

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

Manchester City secured a first Premier League defeat for Liverpool under manager Andoni Iraola, with goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, according to BBC Sport’s report published on 11 October 2026 at 17:30 UTC.

BBC Sport rated Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson as “Could do nothing to keep out Erling Haaland’s strike then beaten by a beauty from Jeremy Doku and some solid footwork from Rayan Cherki,” awarding him a 5. Defender Ronald Araujo received a 5 after picking up an early yellow card and being linked to the opening two City goals.

Virgil van Dijk was given a 6, noted for often being pushed out of position while Liverpool tried to cope with a midfield numerical disadvantage. Young talent Jeremy Jacquet also earned a 6, described as an impressive display that served as an eye‑opener against City’s attacking quality. Milos Kerkez was rated 5 for battling well with Iliman Ndiaye and pushing forward, though he lacked quality in the final third.

Alexis Mac Allister received a 5 for growing into the game and putting in a good shift, but his influence waned after Liverpool were reduced to ten men.

Ryan Gravenberch, who came in for the injured Dominik Szoboszlai, was highlighted as Liverpool’s best player before his dismissal for a second yellow card, earning a 6 and a comment that his sending off was naive. Victor Munoz impressed with a 7, praised for playing fearlessly and troubling Nico O’Reilly.

Florian Wirtz received a 4, accompanied by the direct quote “Simply has to do better, particularly in games of this magnitude,” reflecting his largely ineffective performance and poor decision‑making. Bradley Barcola was rated 5 for being sharp on the ball and fulfilling defensive duties, yet needing to contribute more in the final third. Lewis Koumas, making his first Premier League start, earned a 7 for an energetic display that delighted the Anfield crowd.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was awarded a 7 after a shaky start, followed by a string of second‑half saves that denied Koumas and Gravenberch and kept the game level. Matheus Nunes also received a 7 for an impressive display, including a crucial tackle in the box to stop Barcola in the first half. Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi each earned 7s for weathering Liverpool’s early pressure and defending strongly, especially when Liverpool attacked the Kop end.

Nico O’Reilly was given a 6 for solid forward play, though he was booked after fouling Munoz in the second half. Elliot Anderson received a 7 for constant involvement and luck in avoiding a booking for pulling Gravenberch back, also providing the assist for Doku’s goal. Enzo Fernandez was rated 6, forced to make an early save by Alisson but only finding influence after Gravenberch’s dismissal.

Iliman Ndiaye earned a 6 for dangerous ball‑carrying and a few threatening moments before his substitution for Doku.

Rayan Cherki capped the match with an 8, described as a lovely goal that completed a memorable day for City.