Man City Square
Fansided

Manchester City: Player Ratings in 5-0 win over Brighton

By J.C. Gonzalez

Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling collects the match ball after scoring a hat trick during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on July 11, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling collects the match ball after scoring a hat trick during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on July 11, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Manchester City were superb on the South Coast, coasting to a 5-0 victory to mathematically seal second place in the Premier League this season.

Manchester City made it back to back 5-0 wins in the Premier League in convincing fashion against a Brighton side that is in all likelihood already safe at the Amex Stadium.

City once again were looking to kick it into high gear before their FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal in a week’s time, and delivered with another brilliant performance characteristic of the highs of such a bipolar league season for the club.

Defense

Ederson (GK): As per usual in games like these, the Brazilian had to exert very little effort. He seems to enjoy his current employment situation. (6)

Kyle Walker (RB): Showed off the blistering pace and attack-minded style that has made him an asset in all facets of City’s play. (7)

Eric García (CB): Talented beyond his years and can pick a great pass out from the back. He’s the perfect Pep Guardiola central defender, and it’s no surprise Barcelona are interested. (8)

Aymeric Laporte (CB): Kept calm at the back throughout the match, and has forged a strong partnership with García that could take City deep in this year’s Champions League. (7.5)

Benjamin Mendy (LB): Although he has been inconsistent, Mendy brings a unique threat to City going forward that none of the other options in his position can. (7.5)

Midfield

Rodri (CDM): Grabbed an assist and displayed his range of passing. At setting the tempo going forward and shielding the backline, he’s one of the Premier League’s very best. (8.5)

Kevin de Bruyne (CAM): Played up to his usual lofty standards and continues to prove why he is the worthy winner of the PFA Player of the Year award. (8.5)

Bernardo Silva (CAM): His best performance in some time, and it came in one of my favorite midfield combinations in Guardiola’s arsenal, ending his goal drought. (8)

More from Game Review

Attack

Riyad Mahrez (RW): Grabbed an assist for Sterling’s second and has overall looked to be this team’s first-choice option out wide. (8)

Gabriel Jesus (ST): So nearly a Man of the Match effort from the Brazilian, but how great it was. Jesus scored once and assisted twice as he showed his skill in the build up while also grabbing his 20th goal of the season in all competitions. (9)

Raheem Sterling (LW): Hat-trick hero, Man of the Match, and a player in flying form with such desire that was perfectly captured by an unorthodox third that all came down to just a pure hunger to put the ball in the back of the net. The poacher’s touch his early critics never believed he could acquire. (10)

Substitutes 

David Silva (CAM): Came in and directed tempo in the attacking third as per usual. (6.5)

Phil Foden (CAM): Looked a threat with always the potential to show the spark that has made him one of world football’s hottest young talents. (7)

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB): Looked comfortable in a game that required little defending. (6)

John Stones (CB): As with most of the defense, had little to do as City simply kept the play in front of him. (6)