What all of us witnessed today turned out to be one of the most controversial yet entertaining matches of this Premier League season. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City completed a 2-1 win against Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth right at the end.
The game saw 10 yellow cards, a Raheem Sterling injury time winner and the same player being sent off moments after scoring the decisive goal.
Here, are our Manchester City’s player ratings for the match:
Ederson – 6/10
The Brazilian wasn’t tested for the majority of the match. He had absolutely no chance against Charlie Daniels’ superb volley. Ederson was decent in his ball distribution as he found the City players in the right places. Had a scare in the closing stages of the matches when Joshua King took a mistimed shot but some neat defending by City thwarted that attempt. Overall, it was a decent game for City’s expensive buy.
Danilo – 6/10
Unlike City’s other fullback, Danilo didn’t make many runs in the opposition half. He was happy to sit back and defend the occasional attack from the wings by the Cherries. Danilo played in the place of the suspended Kyle Walker. He was City’s only defender who did not get booked. The Brazilian put in some low crosses in the opposition’s box.
Vincent Kompany – 7/10
The captain was very calm with the ball. He looked more comfortable than his other centre-half and used his technical ability to the fullest. The Belgian made some fine tackles and passed the ball around well. He got controversially booked for a tackle in the second half of the match.
Nicolas Otamendi – 5/10
The Argentine had a poor game, to say the least. His selection ahead of John Stones was baffling, as he looked uncomfortable during the quick attacks by the Cherries. He had a part to play in Bournemouth’s first goal in the early stages of the match. The 29-year old lacked the pace and agility to thwart counter-attacks and Eddie Howe identified him as a weak point in City’s defence.
Benjamin Mendy – 8/10
The French left-back had a dream debut. He looked every penny well spent during his time on the pitch. Mendy provided Guardiola everything that the Spaniard wants in a fullback. He made quick runs into the opposition’s half and played numerous crosses into the box. His powerful left-foot enabled him to trouble Bournemouth’s defence. He performed his defensive duties decently as well and used his powerful physicality to restrict any attacking moves by Bournemouth.
Fernandinho – 6/10
His selection ahead of Yaya Toure highlights the kind of faith Pep Guardiola has in him. The Brazilian had a decent game. He acted as a shield for City’s center-halves. Fernandinho made constant runs to the other half. He worked the ball around well and took an occasional shot on target.
Bernardo Silva- 7.5/10
The former AS Monaco man had a memorable debut. His creativity was key to City’s dominant possession. Silva made some good passes and through balls in the final third. His work ethic was commendable; he ran tirelessly throughout the ground.
David Silva- 8/10
The Spanish playmaker is an ageless beauty. His presence is often decisive to Manchester City’s prospects in the game. He had an excellent first half in which he first blocked Jermain Defoe’s shot in the penalty area. Minutes later, he played an excellent pass to Gabriel Jesus. Silva spotted Jesus’ clever run and split apart Bournemouth’s defence with that one pass which opened City’s account. He slowed down a bit in the second half and dictated the tempo of the game from the middle of the park.
Kevin de Bruyne-6.5/10
The Belgian was influential with his passing in the match. The former Chelsea player tried his best to provide an assist to City’s attackers. His through-balls were impressive and so was his defensive contribution. He took the dead-ball a couple of times but still was not involved in any of City’s goals.
Raheem Sterling- 8/10
His touch was sublime and so was his finish. However, he was sent off due to his immature celebration but Pep Guardiola should be happy with this youngster as he provided City with the much-needed three points.
Jesus Gabriel- 8.5/10
The Brazilian has been growing in stature with every match. Pep Guardiola showed immense faith by starting him above Sergio Aguero again. Jesus’ mobility and agility helped City find the equaliser in the match. His first touch was delicate and so were his attacks. His form could determine City’s contention for the title this year.
Substitutes
Sergio Aguero- 5/10
The Argentine came on late in the second half and was not able to influence City’s play. He took a weak shot and a wayward free kick late in the second half.
Leroy Sane- 6/10
Sane came in for Jesus and took a couple of good corners. However, his stay on the ground was minimal to have any kind of decisive impact.
