Champions League matchday six: City ratings

It was a much changed side to face Shakhtar on Wednesday night. With Manchester City already qualified as group winners, and a much more important Manchester derby only days away, Pep did what any smart manager would do.

Kyle Walker, David Silva, Raheem Sterling nor Vincent Kompany were used in the game. Kevin DeBruyne, suspended for the tie, also sat out the tie. Meanwhile Phil Foden was afforded a start. That made him, not only the youngest player to start for City in a Champions League game, but also the youngest Englishman (at 17 years 192 days) to start a Champions League game.

There were some positive spots, like Foden and Diaz, who came on later. Mostly it was a display of just how much we need to improve our squad players. So how did they rate?

Ederson – 5.

The game wasn’t of much importance in the grand scheme of things, and it looked that way for a number of our ‘regulars’. Ederson didn’t seem as sharp as in previous matches, and his swing and a miss for the goal was evidence of this. Last time he did that without full commitment was a friendly in the USA.

Adarabioyo – 5.

Was arguably the best at the back for City on the night, but still not good enough. Caught out on occasion hopefully he will learn from the experience.

Mangala – 4.

If we weren’t sure we still needed back-up for Stones and Kompany then this highlighted the fact. Looks like a guy who cannot get a game, and is not the solution for defensive back-up.

Danilo – 4.

Where to start with this guy? Beaten at almost every defensive contest he had on the night. Doesn’t look like a guy who will, or even wants, to be at Manchester City for any amount of time.

Fernandinho – 6.

Will have a better game at the weekend, and I think that’s where his mind was. No injuries and just get through the game.

Toure – 5.

Legs gone and, while he will always be a legend, his time at City has to be up. Couldn’t create going forward, and looked bad coming back.

Gundogan – 5.

Another one who has failed to take the limited chances he’s had. Yes he is coming back from injury, but he looks a shadow of the glimpse of a player we had last season.

Foden – 6.

Cannot criticise the guy, he did well considering. Starting a Champions League game for the club he supports at only age 17, you cannot question his commitment and desire. Played a couple of good balls forward, one in particular to Jesus who couldn’t finish.

Bernardo – 4.

Like Gundo, this guy failed to impress with a rare start. It makes Pep’s mind up for a starting eleven, and neither he nor Gundo get close.

Sane – 6.

Again, like Fernie, he wasn’t at his 100% best. Taken off in the second half with Sunday’s game in mind I think he too was concentrating on not getting injured or exerting too much energy in a meaningless game.

Jesus – 6.

First defeat in over a year, but did win the penalty which got us a goal.

Next: Vs Shakhtar: Predicted Lineup

Diaz (sub 62) – 5.

Gave the attack a nice boost. Like Foden it would have been great for the guy just to get on the pitch and he will learn and grow from nights like these.

Aguero (sub 69) – 5.

He and Diaz coming on made us look a little more threatening up front. Scored the penalty and continues to up his tally as top City goalscorer.

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