It was a frustrating night at the Etihad Wednesday night. Manchester City welcomed a mid table Southampton to Manchester as we looked to regain the eight point gap at the top of the league. Eventually Manchester City would get the desired result, but it was a very long and tough night.
A 90+6 minute strike from Sterling would eventually secure the points, but that papered over the cracks somewhat. It wouldn’t be right to allow the last-minute drama influence the analysis of the whole game. To be fair, not many City players would look back on this game and say they did a fantastic job. So how did I rate them?
Ederson – 7.
Once again the Brazilian was reliable at the back. Not much he could do about the goal and was lucky to see a couple of early Southampton attempts go off target. Did sweeper keeper role to perfection, and pushed up higher as the game wound down.
Walker – 6.
The better of all defensive minded players. Kept making runs in and behind the opposition defense but was rarely picked out. Nice volley from just outside the box went high but did his usual job down the wing.
Otamendi – 5.
May have scored the goal. May not. For me it was an own goal from the Southampton man, but that wouldn’t change his rating anyway. Didn’t have a solid game at the back, but we escaped.
Kompany – 5.
Yellow card early on had him walking a fine line for the rest of the game. Frustrating to watch tonight as none of the balls he played out of the back were forward. His ball sideways were close to being picked off on at least three occasions. I honestly think he has fallen behind Stones now as our best defender. Of course he’s a good defender, I just think Stones can play the Pep way whereas Kompany is still shaky.
Delph – 4.
Secodn game in a row the stand in left back was caught out. This time it resulted in a goal. Sometimes, as with other natural defenders, you won’t attempt to stretch and get the ball and instead try to square the opponent up if they get it. Delph stretched for the cross, was nowhere near, and then left standing.
DeBruyne – 6.
Some uncharacteristically loose balls from Kev tonight. I had said in my line-up predictions that he should be rested, and I think sooner rather than later he needs to sit out and recover.
Gundogan – 6.
It is taking a long time to shake off that match rust, but the German tried and looked good in parts. Substituted in the 80th minute for Bernardo he will be a vital player for City, but he’s just not at full pace just yet.
Fernandinho – 5.
Booked in the previous game for diving, and could have been booked in this game too. Gave away free-kicks in dangerous areas he is still better in that position than Yaya.
Sterling – 8.
Best player on the pitch for me. Consistently, and constantly, running at the Southampton defence. A great strike ended in the top corner, but was called back as Fraser Forster ran into Fernandinho. Within the next few minutes he scored again, and this time it counted. Totally deserved in the end, and if I’m not sure many would say he didn’t deserve it.
Jesus – 6.
Had one decent shot of note which was saved by Forster. Did a lot of running, but was on the left for most of the game. If he plays centrally I think that’s when we see the best of him.
Aguero – 6.
Similar to Jesus with his impact on the game. There were a ton of high balls into the area which is not ideal for a 5ft 8 attacker to get onto when surrounded by 6ft plus defenders.
Next: Predicted Lineup To Face Southampton
Silva (Sub 74 mins) – 7.
I thought he should have started, and this game was ideal for him. Having to play in tight spaces I think he’d have had more luck and joy unlocking that back-line. Maybe he was tired from previous matches, but when he came on, although they pulled back level, we played direct and at pace.
Bernardo (Sub 80 mins) – 6.
Not really much time on the pitch but he did make a few good runs into the area. Similar to Gundogan with the lack of game time telling in his play. Over the next month he will be rotated into the starting lineup. Hopefully he finds his form in the New Year.