Player Ratings Matchday 15: Manchester City

Manchester City struggled yet again as the visitors packed their defence against the Leagues top side. Pep said after the match that his side showed patience in the second half, but it was the increase in the pace of play which eventually opened up the Hammers defence.

That victory now restores the eight point gap Manchester City have enjoyed at the top of the Premier League, and sets up a mouth-watering Manchester derby next Sunday. But, despite the victory, the play witnessed on the field from the blues left a lot to be desired.

Defending from set pieces once again looked an avenue of attack from the opposition, and so it proved right before the half. Possession wise City once again dominated, but had very little in the way of clear chances on goal before the visitors took the lead.

Eventually though the Blues would get the victory. Hopefully, with the Champions League top spot already wrapped up, Pep will rotate some of the players, resting them for the visit to Old Trafford in a weeks time. Here are my player ratings for the victory over West Ham.

Ederson – 6.

Didn’t really have a great deal to do. Got a hand to the Ogbonna shot but couldn’t stop it. Had a moment where he took the ball away from the opposition player, and was kicked out at.

Walker – 6.

Once again, Kyle played the majority of the game in the opposition half. Had a wild strike from outside the area, which went high.

Otamendi – 6.

Caught out for the opening goal but then redeemed himself a little with the equalizer. Again, not much to do defensively for large parts of the game. Having another partner in the center maybe led to some indecision whether to push forward or stay back.

Mangala – 5.

Slow and almost caught out towards the end of the game. That would have seen West Ham with a one-on-one opportunity. Did a job for us, and allowed Vinny to rest. City could hide his mistakes a little better today than next week. Gamble paid off.

Danilo – 5.

Looked promising when he came here. Now, he just looks quite poor and was substituted at the half. Like Mangala it was a patch up job, with Fernandinho deserving of a little rest and Delph taking that spot.

DeBruyne – 7.

Quiet by his standards. Decent free-kick forcing a decent save from Adrian and the ball over the top for David Silva’s winner. Rest is needed this week for the Belgium International before we will need him at his best next Sunday.

Delph – 6.

All over the field today, thanks mostly to substitutions. Started as defensive midfielder he reverted back to a left back after the half when Danilo came off.

Silva – 8.

Like KDB, Silva was quiet by his own standards. Fantastic body shape for the goal saw placement, rather than power, put the ball into the back of the net. Just scraping man of the match, although he will have better games.

Sterling – 6.

Surrounded by numerous West Ham players for the majority of the game. Take that as a compliment for a guy, who at the beginning of the season, was being asked questions of. Top scorer for City, he didn’t add to it today, but ran his socks off.

Aguero – 5.

I had to look for his number halfway through the first half to see if he was still playing. Since his car crash the little Argentinian has looked a little off form. I have confidence he will regain that, possibly against United.

Sane – 6.

I was somewhat afraid and excited that he would have the run of the wing against Pablo Zabaleta, but that wasn’t the case. PabZab did well. Sane still swung in crosses, but with little results.

Next: Predicted Lineup to face West Ham

Jesus (Sub on 45 mins) – 7.

Came on for Danilo and instantly added something to the forward line. His movement on and off the ball caused a number of problems for the West Ham defense. Assisted in the Otamendi goal which leveled up the tie.

Fernandinho (Sub on 84 mins) – 6.

Came on for Aguero after the winning goal to secure the back. Didn’t have to do too much, other than not get booked. He managed that and will now probably be ready to go next week after a midweek rest.