Manchester City player ratings: De Bruyne stars in gritty derby victory

Four games, 12 points and now a Manchester derby win against the “special one,” Pep Guardiola has not disappointed. Neither did De Bruyne and Manchester City in the biggest match of the season.

Here’s our player ratings for the most-anticipated Manchester derby in perhaps ever, where Manchester City dominated, endured and scraped a victory that could be a crucial three points in the Premier League title race.

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But before we get to the ratings, take a moment, exhale and then realize that tonight,

we are

VICTORIOUS

!!!!!

The transfer of Bravo was pitched on the basis that the Chilean was adept from playing out of the back and controlling the ball at his feet. We saw neither today. His City debut will be remembered for two errors: Nearly losing the ball in the box and executing that controversial challenge on Wayne Rooney in the second half; and secondly, his failure to win the ball on that long charge in the penalty area that gifted Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Manchester United a goal back, making a match City had to that point manhandled suddenly interesting. Somewhere in Italy, for the moment, Joe Hart is smiling. [D+]

Sagna did what needed to be done for the Manchester Derby. He held down the right side until the introduction of the dangerous Marcus Rashford, who got the better of him a couple of times. He did show a little chemistry with debutante Leroy Sané. [C]

Stones was central to Pep’s tactical masterstroke by playing centrally, as in the midfield, when City had the ball. That was often, as City controlled the first third of the match. Mourinho had no answer for this move until the second half. However, those who have questions about Stones’ decision-making will continue to raise them, as indicated by an incident in the second stanza where he nearly got his pocket picked by Paul Pogba. [B]

Otamendi was a wrecking ball in the heart of the defense for City. His challenges were swift and fearsome throughout. Only knock today for him today was how many times Ibrahimovic was able to find space for headers and shots. If the Swede had a better day finishing, fans might be looking quite differently on Otamendi and City than they are today. [B]

Kolarov continues to look more and more rejuvenated playing. He’s playing with mountains of heart and hustle, as evidenced by the fact he

lost a tooth during the derby

. It’s marvel that he’s the same player from last season. [B-]

Consistent like always, Fernandihno was that tough but steady metronome as Guardiola’s full-time midfield pivot. He linked well with Stones and the  midfielders higher up the pitch in the first half. During the second half, he arguably was City’s most dangerous weapon, coming close close to scoring a couple times to seal the deal for City at Old Trafford. [B]

The Premier League

player of the month

was not as

ahem,

sterling as he was previously but a good shift nevertheless. He was most effective early on, and started the buildup for the second goal. He was subbed off in the middle of the second to make way for Sané. [B-]

De Bruyne was fantastic. The Belgian coolly scored the first goal after burning by Daley Blind. He ran riot, as he thudded the post twice too. The first was pretty much an assist, as the rebound went to the opportunistic Kelechi Iheanacho. On the second, he rung the inside of the woodwork and the ball skidded across the goal line. He was just quickest to the ball on the field for the entire game and often furiously tracked back and won possession back. His best showing in recent memory. [A]

Silva did as Silva does. He found pockets of space and dictated the game from there, passing teammates into space. He, with Fernandinho and De Bruyne, outmaneuvered and outworked Marouane Fellaini and the vaunted Pogba. Furthmore, his poise in possession helped calm the game when United was gaining momentum. That challenge in the first half on Antonio Valencia that led to United’s goal was poor though. [B+]

Nolito’s work rate was something else today. Tireless and undaunted, he ran up and down the left-hand side, winning balls, harassing defenders and contributing to possession in United’s half. Simply, well done from the Spaniard. [B+]

Sergio who

? Just kidding, but the way the Nigerian teenager performed put City supporters at ease until Aguero returns from suspension. He released De Bruyne to break the deadlock. Later, he instinctually put himself in place to knock in De Bruyne’s ball off the post. He was withdrawn in the second half, as City needed an extra midfield body to contend with a pressing United. [A-]

Fernando came on as a tactical response to United’s resurgence at the beginning of the second half. His presence helped stem United’s rising tide and level the game back in favor of City. The Blues held in large part to his work rate and winning balls in the center to frustrate any counter attack the Reds could muster. [B]

Along with Fernando, Sané’s entry into the game put the match back on City’s terms. His shiftiness and his pressing forward caused United to take it’s foot off the pedal a bit in the second half, and he proved to be bit of handful for Luke Shaw. That ball he slotted to De Bruyne almost marked an assist for his City debut. If only, but still a promising start to hopefully a long and fruitful career here. [B+]

Zabaleta came on for De Bruyne, who looked like he suffered a muscle injury, right on verge of stoppage time. He didn’t make a mistake, but he didn’t have any time to do anything or make much of an impact on the game. [N/A]