Man City 0-2 Liverpool: The best and worst players from titanic clash | OneFootball

And now you're going to believe them.

A 2-0 victory over Manchester City means Liverpool have opened up an 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Their triumph at the Etihad Stadium means they've completed a league double over the champions, and Arne Slot looks poised to steal Pep Guardiola's crown in year one.

A flawed City were greatly hindered by Erling Haaland's absence having enjoyed plenty of territory and much of the ball. Sky blue storms were weathered with aplomb by the efficient Reds, who managed the contest in the second half after taking a 2-0 lead before half-time.

Here were both teams' best and worst players from Sunday's significant duel.

Man City's best player vs Liverpool

Marmoush was a rare bright spark for the hosts / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

January signing Omar Marmoush announced himself to the Premier League with a hat-trick against Newcastle last weekend, and City supporters should doubtlessly be encouraged by the talent they've got at their disposal.

The win over Eddie Howe's Magpies showed how effective Marmoush will be while operating in tandem with Haaland. He was forced to take on greater responsibility against the Reds with Guardiola again opting to utilise him as part of a false nine pair with Phil Foden. There was plenty of drifting, with sparks emerging when he dropped between the lines, and his finish (from an offside position) depicted just how efficient he can be in front of goal.

Liverpool's imperious centre-backs endured rendered this a huge challenge, but the Egyptian's threat was obvious in the opening hour. He's capable of producing something from nothing.

Man City's worst player vs Liverpool

De Bruyne wasn't a factor / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

A concerted effort has been made to preserve Kevin De Bruyne for the 'big' occasions during what's likely to be the Belgian's swan song in Manchester. The midfield, however, was an unused substitute in Madrid on Wednesday, and he barely had an hour in his locker here.

Physically, 33-year-old De Bruyne is no longer a force. While the Belgian can still weave his magic wand and create masterfully off both feet, the running power of his apex has dissipated. The hamstring surgery he underwent in 2023 has taken its toll.

The iteration of De Bruyne which manifested against Liverpool was a far cry from the City powerhouse who spearheaded multiple title triumphs. He must've been looking on at Dominik Szoboszlai with seething envy.

Liverpool's best player vs Man City

Inevitable. / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

Liverpool were brilliant as a collective, with the foundations for their victory laid from the back. Alisson exuded calm after a nervy early punch, and their centre-back pairing defended the box with vintage vigour.

However, it was the Reds' inevitable force who proved to be the difference again.

City limited Liverpool to moments, but that's all Mohamed Salah required to lead the visitors to an imperious triumph. The Egyptian has Bournemouth's set-piece coach to thank (and Dominik Szoboszlai's delightful flick) for the extension of his mightily impressive goalscoring run which extended to eight games.

Salah then returned the favour before the break, teeing up Szoboszlai to score Liverpool's second which put the game beyond the hosts. He's now notched 50 goal contributions in all competitions this term (41 in the Premier League), and is continuing to embark on one of the all-time great individual seasons.

Liverpool's worst player vs Man City

Alexander-Arnold struggled one-on-one against Jeremy Doku / PAUL ELLIS/GettyImages

This surely would've been a different game had Erling Haaland been parading around the Liverpool box given the success City's wingers enjoyed up against their respective full-backs.

Savinho and Jeremy Doku were unable to deliver with reliable accuracy from crossing situations, but much of their approach play - to use a golf reference - was brilliant. They were relentlessly able to create a yard of separation, and Doku was particularly effective up against Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England full-back constantly tried to poke possession away from the Belgian when they lined up one-on-one, but Doku's feet were far too quick.

Alexander-Arnold was dribbled past a whopping eight times in the first half alone, and Slot eventually made changes which offered more support as Wataru Endo entered the fray and joined Liverpool's backline. Andrew Robertson was also replaced on the left by Kostas Tsimikas.

This certainly wasn't Manchester United at home levels of bad from Alexander-Arnold, who offered some value in possession, but Doku rendered this a tough outing for him.