Liverpool moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League – and 11 ahead of Manchester City – following their 2-0 win over the champions at Anfield on Sunday. Telegraph Sport appraises each squad.

Liverpool

Caoimhin Kelleher

A spectator for 83 minutes. He spared Van Dijk to deny De Bruyne after City’s first meaningful attempt. ‘Ireland’s number one’ sang the Kop. He can do no more to prove he should be Liverpool’s when Alisson moves on. 8/10

Trent Alexander-Arnold

‘Welcome to the Alexander-Arnold passing exhibition’ ought to have been written on the match ticket as he worked through his repertoire. His game changed when having to deal with Doku. 8/10

Virgil van Dijk

Could have sealed the points early with three headers from set-pieces leaving him cursing his luck. Haaland will be praying Van Dijk does not sign a new Anfield deal, which is the biggest endorsement of the value in sorting out his future as soon as possible. Imperious. 9/10

Joe Gomez

Preferred to Jarell Quansah, and showed early on he has lost none of his appetite during his spell as an understudy. Gomez has assumed cult status on the Kop. If he ever scores, the Major of Liverpool might hold a civic reception. 8/10

Andrew Robertson

Almost produced an assist to match Alexander-Arnold early in the second half, with Gakpo going close to doubling Liverpool’s lead. Dealt comfortably with Savinho and proved rumours of his decline have been greatly exaggerated. 8/10

Ryan Gravenberch

The most prolific pickpocket since the Artful Dodger. There seemed to be five Gravenberchs for the first 30 minutes, and his ability to collect possession and find a forward pass must have had even Guardiola purring. 9/10

Alexis Mac Allister

Back to his best in recent weeks, he ensures balance to Liverpool’s midfield. Each player in it is a Jürgen Klopp signing, but Slot that has found the perfect formula to make it work. 8/10

Dominik Szoboszlai

The first 45 minutes were his best in a Liverpool shirt, his energy matched by poise and precision passing. The combinations with Alexander-Arnold and Salah were especially effective. 8/10

Cody Gakpo

He could reach the milestone of 20 goals for the season whilst no one notices. On the spot to convert Salah’s perfect cross, and tormented Walker when leading Liverpool’s high press. 8/10

Mohamed Salah

Another goal and assist for the evergreen Egyptian. He’s doing his talking on and off the pitch this season, with no sign of his match contributions letting up. To Salah, age is but a number. 9/10

Luis Diaz

Not yet the complete No 9 but the Colombian was a constant menace, leaving City’s centre-backs in a spin. Won the penalty after a virtuoso display across the front line. 9/10

Substitutes

Darwin Nunez and Quansah were needed as Liverpool had to rely increasingly on counter-attacks. Both proved their value.

Manchester City

Stefan Ortega

A statement selection which said more about Ederson’s form than it did the German’s suitability for a call-up. He lacks the Brazilian’s authority. 5/10

Kyle Walker

Looked nervous in the opening minutes, often inviting the red arrows to narrow the angles and keep City pinned to their own box. A difficult moment in his career. 4/10

Manuel Akanji

Every time he waltzed into midfield, Liverpool sensed a chance to pounce – as if Arne Slot had set a trap. Akanji eventually settled but this was a rough afternoon for every City defender. 5/10

Ruben Dias

Terrorised from the opening stages and never comfortable when Liverpool launched blistering counter-attacks in the second half. Will be sending an SOS for a holding midfielder in January. 5/10

Nathan Ake

His duel with Salah was a feature of the match, and it was a mixed bag. Aké enjoyed the physical challenge when Salah had his back to goal, but was less comfortable with balls over the top. 6/10

Rico Lewis

Had the pleasure of City’s first shot on 39 minutes, a clever attempt sent narrowly wide. Pep Guardiola showed faith in the youngster of huge potential, but like many of his team-mates it was an afternoon to forget. 6/10

Matheus Nunes

Endured a torrid first half, typified by his booking. If he was in the side to prevent Alexander-Arnold running the game, he was lucky not to be hooked off at half-time. Did not last much longer. 5/10

Ilkay Gundogan

City needed his experience but there are signs he no longer has the legs for these high-tempo, elite fixtures. Subbed early in the second half because Guardiola needed more energy. 5/10

Bernardo Silva

The more he has the ball, the better City look. Took responsibility after being missing in action, along with the rest of his team-mates, for the first 30 minutes. 7/10

Phil Foden

Was the first to show up as City sought to recover, always willing to take possession and ease the champions back into the fixture. 6/10

Erling Haaland

Was he on the pitch? Haaland can flat-track bully most defences in the league, but Van Dijk is a different beast. Haaland barely featured, succeeding only in confirming why Liverpool must re-sign their captain. 4/10

Substitutes

Guardiola attacked Liverpool full-backs with Jérémy Doku and Savinho and must have felt encouraged before Salah’s penalty. De Bruyne almost scored but is not the player he was.