Man City Square
Fansided

Player Ratings: Manchester City thrash Crystal Palace 4-0

By J.C. Gonzalez

Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / 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 CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / 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 CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Manchester City were brilliant once again as they hammered Crystal Palace 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City have sparked into life this season, and are now just two points off the Premier League summit with a chance to go top should they win their game in hand. It’s a remarkable turnaround, and today’s match was the perfect evidence, as City put in a performance reminiscent of their title-winning seasons and got an excellent result at home against decent opposition in Crystal Palace.

Defense

Ederson (GK): Looked in full control, and grabbed another clean sheet without having to make any spectacular saves. (6.5)

Kyle Walker (RB): Looked a bit rusty on his return to the side, but this was an important match to getting him back to full sharpness. (6)

John Stones (CB): A stunning performance from City’s revitalized star. If you had told me that we would see Stones have a season like this after he was nearly sold in the summer, I would not have believed you. He scored his first league goal for City then somehow managed to turn it into a brace to go along with a clean sheet. Needless to say, Man of the Match. (9.5)

Rúben Dias (CB): In my view, the catalyst that led to Stones’ incredible year, Dias also had a solid and commanding game in charge of the defense, warding away any danger Palace tried to present. (7.5)

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB): Not quite up to the level of what João Cancelo provides from either flank, but a decent day going forward for the Ukranian. (6.5)

More from Game Review

Midfield

Fernandinho (CDM): Gave Rodri some much-needed rest and turned in a great performance in the shield role, as City dominated the midfield battle. (7.5)

İlkay Gündoğan (CAM): Where has this player been? If it weren’t for John Stones’ incredible revitalization, all of the talk would be surrounding Gündoğan’s performances this season. From a player who constantly passed sideways and often hid in big matches, almost if he didn’t want to receive the ball, he is now driving forward with the ball, making incisive passes, arriving late into the box for crosses, and scoring wonder goals from outside the box. (8)

Kevin De Bruyne (CAM): Delivered a peach of a cross for the opener and was constantly a threat, driving forward and creating chances. (7.5)

Attack

Bernardo Silva (RW): While he was not quite as influential out wide as he has been in the center of the park recently, it was a solid day full of energy from the Portuguese. (6)

Gabriel Jesus (ST): Easily the least involved of the City front three, with little more than a half-chance on a weak header straight at the goalkeeper to show for. This seems to be an unfortunate regular trend, even when City play well. (5.5)

Raheem Sterling (LW): Scored a stunning free-kick to cap off an excellent individual and team display. (7.5)

Manchester City 4-0 Crystal Palace: A Dominant Display. dark. Next

Substitutes

Phil Foden (LW): Couldn’t quite provide the end product, but got involved immediately and should get the start next match given his excellent form recently. (6.5)