Manchester City faced what was billed as their biggest test without David Silva. Missing through personal reasons the little Spaniard joined Vincent Kompany, Benjamin Mendy and John Stones in being unavailable.
You wouldn’t have guessed that from the result though. Winning 4-1 the Blues kept distance from the chasing pack, while extending their League win streak to 16. That, as has been the case for City so many times this season, breaking records on the weekly!
But how did the players do?
Ederson – 8.
I’m running out of things to say about this guy. Once again he was fantastic in-goal while his distribution, both from a moving ball or a stationary one, is fantastic. There are Premier League outfield players who couldn’t have pulled off that cross field ball in the second half!
Walker – 8.
Against his old side I think it was proven Walker had moved to the better side. Up and down that right hand side the guy was immense.
Otamendi – 7.
Only downside to his game, and the reason he has the rating he does, is due to the Kane tackle. Certainly wasn’t the worst tackle of the game, but was a sign of the old Otamendi. Not really in a danger area, and after Kane mis controlled the ball, it could have been costly for the Blues.
Mangala – 7.
Has stepped into the center back position as cover for Kompany with reasonable success. Still has a way to go to be a Pep player, but he has now proven that he can do a job. Like Ozil for Arsenal, maybe it’s with a view to a move away. Either way I’ll take it.
Delph – 7.
Solid I think is the best way to describe the performance. Back to his reliable self for the game, although there was that iffy tackle.
Fernandinho – 7.
Strong all game, maybe a criticism would be that he switched off a little at the end for their consolation goal. Other than that the guy did his usual high standard performance.
DeBruyne – 9.
Man of the match after being kicked all over the park and that ankle breaking tackle from Dirty Alli. Moments after being on the end of the tackle which could have seen him on the sidelines for a couple of months, he scored a beauty.
Gundogan – 8.
Scored the opening goal, after being left unmarked in the box. Showed great vision and a range of passes. It was key for Ilkay to take advantage of games he got to start, whether it be through the absence of Silva or KDB. This night he certainly made his case stronger.
Sterling – 8.
On the end of another poor tackle, this time Harry Kane. Raheem scored two goals, but also missed a few. I think, with the penalty rebound he blazed over, the England winger could easily have had five goals.
Aguero – 7.
Not looking his best since the rib cracking trip to Amsterdam. Substituted for tactical reason early in the second half the Argentinian looked unhappy. Will he be with us next season, or even after January?
Sane – 8.
TCo say he did well would be an understatement. Early on in the game he placed Kieran Trippier in his back pocket and said, ‘here little buddy, we’re going for a 90 minute ride!’
Next: City Lineup To Face Spurs
Jesus (sub 58) – 7.
Came on for Aguero as a different option up front, and missed a penalty. Wasn’t his best game but, as with Sterling, his misses didn’t cost us.
Foden (sub 83) – 7.
Came on for the last seven or so minutes and looked lively. I think he will start in the Carabao Cup in a couple of days time.
Bernardo (sub 85) – 6.
Replaced Sane with minutes to go and helped play down the game watch.