Manchester City: Derby day player ratings

Manchester City moved 11 points clear of their rivals in a hard-fought victory at Old Trafford. Going ahead through David Silva, the hosts pulled level just before half-time. It was left to Nicolas Otamendi to score the winner and see City continue their successful start to the season.

It wasn’t all free-flowing football though, with Mourinho needing a win, setting his side up for a draw. He may have got the result he wanted towards the end but for Ederson’s face. City managed the game beautifully to see the time expire, but how did the players rate?

Ederson – 8.

Had a very quiet game for the most part. Wasn’t called into action too much, but had that vital double save towards the end to keep our lead intact. The first save he probably knew little about, but the second was pure reaction and awareness. Man of the match for me, just because of the calmness at the back and those saves.

Walker – 6.

Booked early on for what was a needless tackle. Had to tread a fine line for the rest of the game, and maybe that was in the back of his mind.

Kompany – 5.

Off at the half. Injured again. I think we know may be seeing the wrapping up of his Manchester City career. Pep is seemingly losing patience with the Belgium International.

Otamendi – 7.

Scored the winning goal and was pretty solid at the back. Yes it was his lack of a touch on the ball which led to United’s equalizer, but he repaid that debt with the strike.

Delph – 5.

Was slow to react to Otamendi’s miss for the United goal. He admitted himself after the game that is was his mistake, and he is learning. As a left back you need to expect the worst. Another, more veteran defender, would have hooked that clear.

Fernandinho – 6.

Did well in midfield, although not at his attack springing pass best. Slotted into the center back position for a little bit. The players versatility helped today.

DeBruyne – 7.

A little off again in the game. Some of his passes were a little off and his shots lacked any real power to test a keeper like De Gea.

Silva – 7.

Buzzing around all over the field and causing problems. Was in the right place at the right time for the opening goal and should take the Captains armband at Swansea.

Sterling – 6.

Was a threat before the game and United respected that by paying careful attention to him. Still got in a lot of decent runs but not really willing to shoot.

Jesus – 6.

Quiet. Had a poor shot on goal which lacked power. Taken off for Mangala after an hour of play he didn’t look his best.

Sane – 7.

Much like Raheem the German was crowded out for most of the game. Again, had a few good runs but didn’t shine as much as he normally does.

Next: History Ot The Fixture: Manchester Derby

Gundogan (Sub 45) – 6.

Came on at the half for Kompany, allowing Fernie to move back. Started to show some of the player we saw last season.

Mangala (Sub 59) – 6.

After a poor performance midweek the Frenchman actually did a job at the back. I think he thrives under the pressure of last-ditch defending, something we haven’t done for a while. He isn’t too comfortable going forward though, and that is where we have a problem with him.

Bernardo (Sub 88) – 7.

Usually I do not rate players who only come on for a few minutes. I have been critical of Bernardo in recent weeks, but wanted to highlight some genius play in this game. A throw in to Bernardo in stoppage time saw the Portugal International run all the way back out, to the corner. When it comes to that time in the game, in that field position, the temptation may be to go for a third. The smarter decision though is to keep the ball, and he did that very well.