Manchester City made the perfect start to their Premier League title defence as they thrashed West Ham United 5-0 at the London Stadium earlier today.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men had no reply as Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick, and a goal each by Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero contributed to a one-sided scoreline.
Manchester City player ratings vs West Ham United
Ederson 7/10
The custodian had very little to deal with but he pulled off a remarkable double-save in the second-half to deny Javier Hernandez and Manuel Lanzini from finding the back of the net. Was solid with his distribution again.
Kyle Walker 9/10
Down the right, Walker played with a lot of intent and he maintained the right balance between his defensive and offensive duties.
John Stone 8/10
The former Everton centre-back looked assured and commanding at the back, which must have pleased Pep Guardiola.
Aymeric Laporte 8/10
Laporte dealt with Sebastien Haller well, and was rock-solid at the back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 8/10
The left-back provided the attacking impetus with his driving runs forward, and tested the Hammers’ defence.
Kevin de Bruyne 7/10
Although not at the peak of his form, de Bruyne managed some good passes and showed good work ethic.
Rodri 9/10
The midfielder left Jack Wilshere clueless as he sucked the life out of the former Arsenal man. He eliminated a lot of dangerous phases with his good positioning in midfield, and did well to recycle possession early on as the Hammers were pressing the away side. A solid Premier League debut for the Spaniard.
David Silva 8/10
Was at his silky and fluidic best as always. Silva unlocked West Ham United’s defence with ease.
Riyad Mahrez 9/10
The Algerian international played a key role in four goals that his side scored. He was a livewire in the attacking third.
Gabriel Jesus 8/10
Jesus bagged a goal and put tremendous pressure on Pellegrini’s defenders with his movement and link-up play.
Raheem Sterling 9/10
The Englishman’s movement and runs were impossible to defend against. Finished the game with three goals.
Substitutions
Sergio Aguero 7/10
Missed a pen, but had another shot as the ref advised a re-take following VAR’s intervention.
Ilkay Gundogan 6/10
He came on for de Bruyne with just over ten minutes left on the clock, and kept the game ticking.
Phil Foden 6/10
Came on very late.
