Manchester City started off the fourth match week of this Premier League season in brilliant fashion as they won against Liverpool with a five-goal margin. Pep Guardiola could not have asked for a better game as City demolished the Reds’ after Sadio Mane was sent off under controversial circumstances. However, City were ruthless as their forwards played well in tandem and Leroy Sane appeared to be a super substitution in the match.
Vincent Kompany missed the match due to a calf injury while Raheem Sterling served a suspension for his red seen in the previous match. Manchester City started with a 3-5-2 formation with Danilo filling up as the third centre-back and Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy playing as wingbacks. In the second half, City changed to a four-man defence and Danilo paired up with Fernandinho in the midfield. Here are our player ratings for Manchester City’s players for the match at Etihad Stadium.
- Ederson- 8/10
Eight points for someone who did not even complete the first half can raise many eyebrows. However, the truth is that City’s new goalkeeper was excellent during his stay on the pitch. The match did not end for him in the best of fashions but his multiple saves against a quick Mohammed Salah around the half an hour mark displayed his quality. He was courageous to get out of the box to make a headed clearance for a long-ball and succeeded in his attempt to deny Liverpool a goal. The sight of him being fine and back in the stadium at the end of the match must make City fans relieved.
- Danilo- 6/10
The former Madrid player did not start the match in his favoured position. He did adjust well to his new role and was decent in the game. He looked more comfortable in the midfield in the second half and worked the ball around to maintain maximum possession.
- John Stones- 7/10
The young centre half had a decent game leading the backline. His tackling was safe and he did not commit any rash mistakes. He made some good clearances early in the first half when Liverpool were absolutely rampant in their attack. Overall, it was a satisfactory game for him.
- Nicolas Otamendi- 6/10
The Argentine’s name went into the referee’s book early in the game due to an irresponsible challenge. He made up for it by making some good moves later in the game. The lack of potency in Liverpool’s attack helped Otamendi too.
- Kyle Walker- 6.5/10
Sadio Mane’s presence meant that Walker was limited to a more defensive role in the first half. However, he made some marauding runs in the second half and made some crosses into the box. Defensively, he had minimal work after Sadio Mane went off the pitch. This helped the wingback to focus on the attacking aspect of the game.
- Benjamin Mendy- 6/10
The former AS Monaco man looked shaky and uncomfortable against the guile and pace of Mohammed Salah. When the Egyptian went off the pitch, it helped Mendy to come back to his natural role. Full marks to him for adjustment and adapting to a defensive role. Similar to Walker, he played in a free role in the second half and made some good runs through the flank. His short pass that allowed Kevin de Bruyne to take the cross, which led to the third goal needs to be appreciated. It was a clever decision by the Frenchman.
- David Silva- 7.5/10
The wily Spaniard was a very calm presence at the centre of the park. Surprisingly, Silva played a much deeper role today. He made sure that he thwarted Liverpool’s attacks from the centre of the pitch.
- Fernandinho- 7/10
The Brazilian made a risky tackle in the first half, which could have resulted in a penalty. He worked the ball around well in the midfield. Fernandinho made occasional runs in the opposition’s half and paired up well with de Bruyne sometimes. However, he did not indulge in frequent attacks and sat back to defend most of the time.
- Kevin de Bruyne- 9/10
The Belgian was superb throughout the game. His key passes in the box, timely runs and accurate crosses meant that Liverpool’s defence had a tough time. De Bruyne’s first touch was silky and his assist for the goal of Aguero was sublime. His tireless running throughout the match was essential to City’s success.
- Gabriel Jesus- 9.5/10
The Brazilian wonder-boy continued his rich vein of form in this game. Jesus’ decisiveness and calmness in front of the goal are amazing. The 20-year old managed to score a brace in such an important encounter and will be an important man for City in this season.
- Sergio Aguero- 9/10
The Argentine showed that he can still be trusted to lead City’s attack in such important games. His landmark 124th goal in the Premier League means that he is now the highest non-European goal scorer in Premier League’s history. His composure while finishing the first goal was an absolute delight. Moreover, he unselfishly played an assist for Jesus’ second goal where he could have taken a shot himself. This shows the maturity with which Aguero played in the game.
Substitutions:
- Claudio Bravo-6/10
The Chilean shot-stopper was hardly tested as Sadio Mane’s departure left Liverpool with no teeth in the attack.
- Leroy Sane- 10/10
Leroy Sane injected excitement into the game. He came on as a substitute in the second half and scored two brilliant goals to pile more misery on Liverpool. His second goal was an absolute peach and his form means that City have an able backup player in the attacking department.