- Erling Haaland grabbed a hat-trick as City crushed Liverpool
- Antoine Semenyo made it 3-0 just after the break
- James Trafford’s penalty save ensured a clean sheet
We’ve rated every Manchester City player after a dominant display saw the Carabao Cup winners comfortably overcome Liverpool in Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final.
Manchester City player ratings vs Liverpool
James Trafford – 8
The young English goalkeeper had very little to do for much of the game but didn’t put a foot wrong when called upon. Trafford can thank his defence for giving him an armchair ride for much of the afternoon, before producing an excellent save from Mo Salah’s second-half penalty.
Nico O’Reilly – 8
Calm defensively and solid going forward, another strong display from O’Reilly. His clever turn wrong-footed Virgil van Dijk to win the penalty that sent City on their way to victory. Then delivered the assist for Haaland’s third to pile more misery onto Liverpool.
Marc Guehi – 8
Some big touches and vital interventions from the England international. An imposing presence at the back and linked up well in possession, City’s defence has improved immeasurably since he arrived at the Etihad.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 7
Impressive once again from the Uzbek defender. Did well to get back with a crucial challenge on Mo Salah in the first half, and kept Hugo Ekitike well-contained.
Matheus Nunes – 5
Was largely anonymous and made little impact during the game. Gave away a silly penalty that would have cost City a clean sheet but for a fine stop from Trafford.
Rodri – 6
A cynical foul after being turned by Ekitike led to a yellow card, and he was subbed off around the hour mark. Far from his best performance overall, but only because of the incredibly high standard he has set in recent seasons.
Bernardo Silva – 8
A vintage display from the Portuguese veteran. Superb on the ball and dictated the tempo throughout. The sort of performance we’ve come to expect from Silva, but no less deserving of praise.
Antoine Semenyo – 8
Caused Liverpool problems all afternoon down the right-hand side, and provided a pinpoint cross for Haaland to double City’s lead on the stroke of half-time. Followed that up with a deft finish for City’s third to finish the game as a contest.
Rayan Cherki – 9
Some nice early touches, but took a while to get into the game. However, once he burst into life, the Frenchman was exquisite. Cherki was instrumental in setting up Haaland’s second with a superb piece of skill to put Semenyo in down the right. He then played a perfect ball to Semenyo once again for City’s third.
Jeremy Doku – 7
Liverpool struggled to deal with his pace and direct running threat. The Belgian forward was never afraid to take on his man, and made himself a nuisance on the left flank.
Erling Haaland – 10
Looked back to his best with a superbly taken hat-trick that reminded everyone how good he can be. A well-taken penalty, a delicate header and an excellent finish off the crossbar to cap a man-of-the-match display.
