Cherki and Doku shine as Manchester City hand Liverpool first Iraola defeat
Manchester City beat Liverpool with goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, while Ryan Gravenberch's red card proved costly for the hosts.
Manchester City inflicted a first defeat on Liverpool under Andoni Iraola, with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki all scoring. The result turned on Ryan Gravenberch's sending-off for a second yellow card, after which City's attacking quality told.
Liverpool had kept the game level into the second half. Gianluigi Donnarumma made a string of saves to deny Lewis Koumas and Gravenberch, while Alisson was beaten by Haaland's strike, a fine effort from substitute Doku and Cherki's composed finish. Gravenberch, deputising for the injured Dominik Szoboszlai, had been Liverpool's strongest performer before his dismissal.
The hosts found encouragement in individual displays. Victor Munoz caused Nico O'Reilly persistent problems and earned a 7, while 21-year-old Lewis Koumas, making his first Premier League start, brought energy that drew appreciation from the Anfield crowd. Ronald Araujo was booked early and was exposed for City's first two goals, and Florian Wirtz was rated 4 after an ineffective showing.
City's defenders earned praise for weathering early pressure, with Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Matheus Nunes all rated 7. Cherki and Haaland received 8s, as did Doku, whose goal followed his introduction for Iliman Ndiaye. Elliot Anderson, also a 7, provided the assist for Doku.
Supporters were invited to give their own ratings and choose a player of the match, reflecting the debate around which individuals did enough in a game of this magnitude. The ratings distinguish the assessor's judgments from the confirmed facts of the scoreline and Gravenberch's red card.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
