Liverpool player ratings as Roberto Firmino puts in all-round display and Mohamed Salah strikes

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  • Roberto Firmino of Liverpool closing down Bernardo Silva of Manchester City.

    Liverpool survived the early concession of a goal to complete the job at Manchester City and roar into the Champions League’s semi-finals.

    Holding a 3-0 advantage from the first leg at Anfield, some nerves would have been caused when ex-Red Raheem Sterling robbed Virgil van Dijk and teed up Gabriel Jesus for a second-minute tap-in.

    But Jurgen Klopp’s men held firm to earn a 2-1 win on the night and 5-1 triumph on aggregate. Mohamed Salah chipped in before the hour mark, before the superb Roberto Firmino soon dispossessed Nicolas Otamendi and found the bottom corner for the second

    This made it three defeats in a week for the chastened Premier League’s champions-elect.

    Here are our Liverpool player ratings:

    LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

    Loris Karius – 6: Lack of work would have surprised ex-City youth player. Only had to repel three shots on target.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8: Did another solid job on Sane, despite City’s overload. Led way with an impressive six interceptions.

    Dejan Lovren – 7: One rash challenge on Sterling aside, the Croatia centre-back was superb. Flicked Bernardo Silva’s shot onto the post.

    Virgil van Dijk – 6: Tantrum after Sterling challenge led to early opener. Then went on to dominate aerially in typical fashion.

    Andrew Robertson – 6: Nothing spectacular in attack this time from rampaging Scot. Steadily suppressed Bernardo Silva’s influence.

    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6: Nearly finished off wonderful move, but shot high from tight angle. Industrious, without any real highlights.

    Georginio Wijnaldum – 6: Stand-in for suspended Jordan Henderson improved dramatically after the break. Ended up making team’s fourth-most passes with 28.

    James Milner – 7: The ex-City midfielder’s knee was forensically analysed for Sane’s disallowed goal. Otherwise, diligently stuck to his task.

    Sadio Mane – 7: Second red card of season at City looked possible when he crunched Otamendi. Showed wonderful skill for Salah’s goal.

    Mohamed Salah – 7: Goal 39 of this incredible debut campaign was chipped in with minimum fuss, his first real involvement.

    Roberto Firmino – 8: Brazil forward was selfless personified. Made two tackles and tracked back well. Punished Otamendi superbly to kill all doubts with second.

    SUBS

    Ragnar Klavan – N/A: Performed miserably in September’s 5-0 drubbing at Etihad Stadium. Much better in brief cameo this time.

    Nathaniel Clyne – N/A: England man’s comeback from long-term injury continued with his minutes on pitch.

    Danny Ings – N/A: Barely got a kick during his few minutes on the pitch.

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