Manchester City progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Thursday after a pulsating 3-2 win over Liverpool.
Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez and Nathan Ake netted for the Premier League champions in an enthralling encounter at the Etihad, with Fabio Carvalho and Mohamed Salah scoring for the visitors.
It was an explosive start to the game, with Haaland shooting wide after just 18 seconds - a chance he should have better with - while Cole Palmer fluffed his lines when presented with an opportunity in the box.
Kevin De Bruyne also had a good effort saved before Haaland netted after 10 minutes. The Norwegian timed his run excellently and managed to nip in front of Joe Gomez just in time to poke home a shot from a few yards.
City had started as the better side but Liverpool were level soon courtesy of Carvalho, who produced a scruffy first-time finish from a James Milner cross that curled just past City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno.
The rest of the first half continued in a similar pattern, albeit with no more goals to show for it. Caoimhin Kelleher did well to keep out shots from Ilkay Gundogan and Ake, while Palmer blasted over from the edge of the box. City were largely on top in an electric opening half but Liverpool arguably created the better chances, with Darwin Nunez going close twice and hitting the post, although the latter was ultimately flagged offside.
The second period began in an equally frenetic manner with two goals scored inside three minutes. Mahrez got the ball rolling when he exquisitely controlled Rodri’s crossfield pass and with his second touch curled it into the back of the net. But almost instantly the score was level again, this time via Salah. The winger had a relatively simple tap-in from inside the box after Nunez squared the ball to Liverpool’s waiting no.11 following a swift breakaway.
But that lead didn’t last long, and City went ahead for a third and final time on 58 minutes. Again it was via a De Bruyne cross, which was this time headed in by Ake, who had ghosted in at the back post.
The energetic contest didn’t slow down as the game progressed, even if there were fewer chances than expected. Andrew Roberston and Nunez saw good efforts fly wide, while Phil Foden went closest to adding a fourth when his effort was saved by Kelleher.
Here’s how we rated the players...
5. Rico Lewis- 8
Performed a hybrid right-back/centre-midfield role for City and produced some superb tackles. The teenager gave the ball away once or twice but, in general, moved it quickly when in possession.
6. Rodri- 8
It was a physical game for the midfielder, who twice reacted to challenges on him. Rodri’s role was integral to City’s pressing and his passing was superb as he often switched the play to the wings.
7. Ilkay Gundogan- 7 (off 88)
Played a vital role in City maintaining their breathless pace and produced some slick turns in the middle. He was also equally adept at defending and was impressive after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
8. Kevin De Bruyne - 8
Another excellent showing from the midfielder. He habitually drove forward in possession and looked for the killer pass. Twice he found it, with crosses for Haaland and Ake’s goals, while De Bruyne was a ceaseless ball of energy out of possession.