Manchester City restored their 8 point lead over nearest rivals, Manchester United, with a hard-fought victory at the John Smith Stadium. Already twelve points ahead of the side in fourth spot, Manchester City have been irresistible so far this season.
Pep had warned of this being a complicated tie, and so it turned out to be. Huddersfield taking the lead on the stroke of half-time made even the most positive City fan start to question. Up until that point, there had been little threat to the City goal. In fact, had Otamendi not deflected the ball, that wouldn’t have been on target either.
So, with the game as a whole in mind, how did the players do?
Ederson – 7.
Was certainly nothing he could do with the goal and spent most of the game in the middle part of our half. When the opposition only enjoys 24% possession at home, and manage only four shots all game, of which none were on target, it’s hard to rate him on his performance. Other than to say when he was needed, he stepped up.
Walker – 7.
Bombed down the right with reasonable success. His crossing into the danger area wasn’t the best I’ve seen him do, but ran non stop.
Otamendi – 7.
Again, like Ederson, there was nothing he could really do about the goal. How it came to him it was an unlucky moment for the Argentinian. That said, the opposition were kept to no shots on target and he kept out of the referees notebook!
Kompany – 7.
Good to have the Captain back, even better to see him go off and not pushed for the final ten minutes. I’ve said over and over that rotation is key for all clubs over the coming weeks, but for some players its more important than others.
Was dominant at the back, although it was his wayward header which led to a corner. That corner led to us going behind right before the half.
Delph -5.
For the first time since he was placed in the role, Delph looked out-of-place. Maybe it was partly my fault for calling him Fabiano Delphino in the pre-match preview!
DeBruyne – 6.
Not at his best, but wasn’t a passenger either. Some loose passes and some slow releases of balls forward means I only give him a 6 for this game. Obviously an argument for his lack of impact was due to the space given to him. While that’s true, a top class player needs to find solutions for that.
I have no doubts he can and will, and games like these are lessons for KDB.
Fernandinho – 6.
Got booked when there was no need and had a reasonably quiet game. He did have more impact on last nights game than Yaya Toure did midweek, but still was not at his best.
Silva – 7.
Gave the Spaniard a 7 despite him not being at his best either. Again, like DeBruyne, there were a few misplaced passes. I do feel that he and Sane did eventually start linking up well in the second half.
Sane – 7.
Got into a needless altercation after the final whistle and was booked. Other than that he was again full of running. He and Silva were on different pages in the first half, but improved in the second 45.
Sterling – 8.
Could have had a penalty, did get a penalty and scored the winner. A different player from a season or two ago he now has scored more goals in these 18 games, in all competitions, than any previous ENTIRE season. Still young, and if he keeps improving, he could be a future City and England legend.
Aguero – 6.
Did score the penalty but also missed a few decent chances in the first half. Looked off the pace and will probably start from the bench on Wednesday.
Next: On This Day: Huddersfield Hammering!
Jesus (Sub for Kompany, 80) – 7.
Came on and made an almost immediate impact. It was his attempt which spilled to Sterling for the winning goal. A sure bet to lineup on Wednesday.
Gundogan (Sub for Aguero, 86) – 6.
Not much time to contribute, but did help secure that midfield in the final moments.
Mangala (Sub for Mangala, 89) – N/A
Not enough time to rate.