Liverpool Player Ratings V Manchester City: Munoz Impresses, Gravenberch Sees Red

Liverpool's return to action was a painful one as they fell to a 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City in a highly emotive encounter that had it all.

A game that was even until the hour mark was flipped on its head when Ryan Gravenberch was shown a second yellow card for a soft challenge on Doku.

City would then make their advantage counter with goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, taking the game away from Andoni Iraola's side.

Here are our player ratings (out of 10) following this defeat.

Conceded three goals, but there was very little he could have done about any of them, especially the first two.

Full of energy, running up and down the left-hand side, and his crossing into the box is looking better and better as the games go on.

Even when going 3-0 down, he was still trying to rally the side, leadership in abundance from the Reds skipper.

Struggled alongside Araujo to deal with the threat posed by City on the left-hand side, but far from the reason why the game ended the way it did.

Another one who struggled with the likes of Semenyo, Doku and Cherki, one of his weaker performances in an LFC shirt.

Was having an outstanding game and was a contender for Man of the Match until the hour mark.

The second yellow card he received changed the game completely, and while both of Gravenberch's yellow cards were harsh, he should never have given the referee the opportunity to send him off.

Alongside Gravenberch, Mac Allister was having a top game in the midfield, and despite the result, that combative display in midfield should still be praised.

Lacked any impact on the game, looked nervous and scared to make a mistake when on the ball, maybe a player who let the occasion get the better of him.

Sloppy passes, poor in possession and despite showing one or two decent pieces of play, it was not good enough from the German playmaker.

Comfortably the best player on the pitch for Liverpool.

Looked threatening, displayed his rapid speed and pace, especially on the counter, and while he lacked the end product, he can hold his head up high for a good individual game for Victor Munoz.

He showed exactly what he has in previous appearances: work rate, endeavour and on another day, he could have had one or two goals. Given the magnitude of the game, it was a promising display from the Welsh forward.

Had little to do, picked up a yellow card, but not to blame for the result.

Was all over the place for the 3rd goal, sat down by Rayan Cherki before the City forward rolled the ball into the back of the net.

Was brought on after the red card, had very little time with the ball.

Only played the last five minutes.

Good to see the Italian back out there, but like Gomez, he only came on for the last five minutes.

In the first half in particular, the Spaniard was outstanding and had his defender in Nico O'Reilly beaten for large parts of the game. 

The red card changed the game dramatically, but before that, Munoz was a key reason as to why the Reds were playing so well.