Champions League: City player ratings matchday 5

History will show that Manchester City made it five wins from five in the Champions League last night. Another clean sheet, fifteen points and top spot in the group secured with a game to go. The record will imply ease, but the reality was anything but.

Manchester City, although much changed, seemed without inspiration for large parts of the game. The quick, crisp passing we are used to, was missing. Instead we were witness to slow, ‘running in sand’ movement of player and ball. Most tellingly of all was just how different Yaya is compared to Fernandinho.

The game wasn’t pretty, but it doesn’t always have to be. The result is what counted. Well that and hopefully waking up to no injuries or bad knocks for our main players. With that in mind, here are my player ratings.

Ederson – 6.

A few really shaky moments, which isn’t like him. He has had better games and will have better games in the future. Kept a clean sheet, but only faced two shots on target.

Walker – 7.

Once again, did exactly what it says on the tin. Was lively down the right and made some decent tackles at the back. Had one moment where Larsson had him turning inside out, but other than that was okay.

Mangala – 6.

Still not convinced he was worth the money, but did a decent job. Got a booking and lost the ball on a couple of occasions with looses passes. He did have some good moments but not enough to be given a second look.

Otamendi – 7.

Otamendi also had a couple of loose moments. Giving away possession, he also needlessly kicked out at an opponent, although didn’t find himself in the book.

Danilo – 7.

Danilo did find himself in the referees book. Playing left back he clearly favors the right foot. Had an effort go narrowly wide and got into the game more when he came inside.

Toure – 6.

Age has finally caught up with Yaya. Certainly no Fernandinho in either quickness of the pass nor in getting his head up to see the runs. Had he not been facing a side with only 24% possession he may have been exposed even more.

DeBruyne – 7.

Replaced by Jesus just after the hour mark, KDB had an okay game. An okay game by his high standards I should say. A few decent attempts, from a free kick and right before being substituted. Again, like Ederson, it wasn’t his best game.

Bernardo – 6.

Looks full of running and desire but nothing seems to be paying off for him right now. Had a decent chance early on but failed to put power into the effort. There is no doubting the ability and desire, but something looks off at this moment in time.

Gundogan – 7.

It was a tough game for Ilkay and he did start to look a little leggy towards the end. That said, he had a few lively efforts and provided the ball to Sterling for the only goal. Like Bernardo I think we have yet to see the best of the German.

Sterling – 8.

Slated last season for his inability to play the right ball at the right time and his quality of finishing. Top Manchester City scorer in the Champions League this season the boy has four goals in five games, including last night.

Ran his socks off and was pushed, tripped and clipped all night. Each time, whether foul or not, he picked himself up and ran again. That’s why he was my man of the match and why he deserved his goal. A beautiful finish by the way, composed and calmly taken.

Aguero – 6.

Captain for the night Sergio was off. It was almost like he was forcing things. The harder he tried the more it went wrong. Shots were off target and his releasing of the ball was slow. That is not to say he didn’t run for the side, he did, but it was just not his night.

Jesus (63 mins) – 6.

Came on for Kev just after the hour mark but made little impact. My biggest memory, thinking back on his game, was him sitting on the ground shouting ‘hey’ at the referee over and over again.

Foden (74 mins) -7.

Local boy gets the debut and he didn’t look out-of-place. Coming on for Yaya Toure he was eager to get the ball and eager to run at the opposition. Fouled on a couple of occasions, he got straight back up and went again. I actually was thinking he’d be the one to get the winning goal. What a story that would have been.

Diaz (90+1 mins) N/A.

Another youngster getting on the pitch who didn’t disappoint. On for Raheem, as time wound down, he was positive. Had he been on earlier I think we very well could have seen some fantastic, and dangerous runs from him. Both he and Foden have confidence of youth, and it’s going to be good to see more of them.