Wolverhampton pushed Manchester City for the full 120 minutes of game time in the Carabao Cup. Last night, although eventually through, City found it impossible to score against a side a division below them. Sure, Wolves are going great guns in their league, but it will still be an unusual feeling for Pep’s blues. Was it the visitors having the game of their life, or us having an off night. Of course, with the rotation on both sides, was it just a case of ‘one of those days’.
Here’s how I think each player did. Let me know in the comments section your ratings.
Claudio Bravo – 9.
Man of the match performance from an unlikely hero. Ask any City fan, before the game, to pick who they thought would be the standout player, or hero of the tie. I highly doubt Bravo would make anyones top five, nevermind a top three list. Saves galore and penalty hero, Caballer-WHO?
Danilo – 6.
Hadn’t started a game for a while, and it showed. Down the right he had trouble reading what Sterling was going to do, and vice versa. Certainly not a bad player, but the lack of game time showed.
Adarabioyo – 6.
I liked the way the young guy equipped himself. For a younger guy he didn’t look out-of-place. Even made a vital tackle towards the end he looks like he could have a bright future.
Mangala – 5.
After what was a decent performance in the last round, this round showed his vulnerabilities. Caught out on more than one occasion, I think Pep had it confirmed last night he needs to strengthen.
Zinchenko – 6.
Had a pretty okay game tonight and possibly even gave Pep some food for thought. He clearly doesn’t fancy Danilo on that left side, and it isn’t Delph’s natural position. Not saying he will throw him in at the weekend, but I think he’d have gained confidence with the boy on this performance. He still has to gain that experience, but Pep has shown he is a willing teacher.
Bernardo – 6.
Wasn’t as impressive as I’d expected him to be. This was certainly a chance for him to make a claim for a starting position for Premier League and even Champions League games. I don’t think Pep saw anything last night which would see him even think of dropping a fully fit DeBruyne or Silva.
Toure – 5.
Converted the penalty with the expertise he’s had all his career. Open play though, for 120 minutes, he looked his age. His legs have now pretty much gone as he wandered, almost at a pedestrian pace, through the game. Talk of an MLS move has been touted recently. I am not sure, on this performance, he’ll have too much to offer. Although, to be fair, he’s still a presence.
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Gundogan – 6.
Again, as with Bernardo Silva, I expected more. This was a chance for both to impress but neither really did. Lacking the vision for that killer pass, as KDB and Silva can, he looked ineffective, although he could still be nursing himself back from that long injury. Nervous fans looked on at the end when he was sitting on the sidelines, coat on as the game went to penalties. That was after finishing the game limping. His Twitter account has stated he was fine but tired so, for him personally, that’s good news considering his recent history.
Sterling – 5.
I have a lot of time for this guy. Coming from Liverpool with ‘potential’ he had started to show that in recent games. This was an off game as far as the end product went. The English winger was still a threat going forward but either new team-mates or just tiredness didn’t see him at his best.
Aguero – 6.
I personally think that Kun may be thinking too much about the record. Once he scores that next goal I think you’ll see the weight of the world off his shoulders, and he’ll be back to his usual self. Last night he had a hat-trick of chances early in the first half. Either off target, or straight at the keeper, he was not his clinical self. Turning point for me was the Leroy Sane penalty. It gave him room for error to miss his penalty but, instead, boosted his confidence by scoring the way he did.
Jesus – 5.
Not playing in his usual central striker position his effort was there. Unfortunately he didn’t have the greatest games as a result of his role. Trying to link-up with Aguero, it really didn’t pay off. This is a throw away rating, or a collector’s item if you like. Something that, I am sure, will be very rare as we go through the season.
DeBruyne – 6.
Like Jesus, he’s had better games. Coming on after 82 minutes for Gabby he didn’t have the impact he’d usually have.
Stones – 7.
Came on for Adarabioyo for the start of extra time, he steadied the ship. Loving how this guy has grown as a defender. A year ago I’d be expecting some random header or clearance which put us under pressure. Now, he’s nothing short of a rock.
Sane – 7.
On for Bernardo (95), the guy was an instant spark. Lively and a threat, although he couldn’t work an opening.
Next: Carabao Cup Round of 16: Player Ratings
Walker – 6.
On for Danilo with a little under twenty minutes to go. Helping make it a more familiar defensive and attacking look down the right. A final attacking push, or securing us into the penalties? Only Pep will know.
Mitre Ball – 0.
This rating was provided courtesy of Pep Guardiola.