The start of the New Year saw the swagger return to the Manchester City side. Going ahead after mere seconds, the home side dominated proceedings. The return of John Stones and David Silva seemed to give a boost to the side who remain undefeated in all domestic games this season.
Restoring the fifteen points gap between top spot and second, Pep’s blues are storming to the title. At the moment, even if City lost every league game and United won theirs, they wouldn’t catch us until their trip to Newcastle on February 11th.
After a somewhat disappointing game against Crystal Palace, how did our boys do in the first game of 2018?
Ederson – 8.
Good positioning for the most part and was again great with his distribution. Wasn’t called upon too many times and stepped up the pitch in the second half in order to let everyone know he was still there.
Walker – 6.
Was a little exposed for the consolation goal, but other than that was solid. Again, a threat going forward.
Stones – 7.
Turned out to be a good game back for the England defender. Taken off with twenty minutes to go he wasn’t really tested. Could have possibly even scored had he had more match sharpness.
Otamendi – 7.
Could have given a penalty away late on but was fantastic other than that. A threat in their box and solid in ours has been a constant theme this season for the General.
Delph – 7.
Glad to have him back on the left of defense. Kept Watford danger man, Richarlison, quiet for the most part.
Fernandinho – 8.
He is probably the most important player for Pep right now. Unfortunately, Yaya is not up to doing the job and it shows when Fernie is rested. Came off with a little less than twenty minutes remaining. That’s probably how Pep will have to rest him.
DeBruyne – 9.
Seemed to have rediscovered his touch after the last couple of games being below par (by his standard). Maybe that had something to do with the return of David Silva or maybe it was just a natural blip. Either way, it was good to see him back to form.
Silva – 9.
Returning after personal leave. Knowing now what that is, I am sure we will be missing him for other games going forward. Somethings are more important than football, and our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.
As for his performance on the pitch, he was immense. Stayed on for the full 90 and gave everything. Was awarded the Man Of The Match for the game and you’d find it difficult to argue with what we know he’s going through, and his level of performance.
Sterling – 7.
Quickest goal in the Premier League this season, and gave a nice nod to the injured Gabby Jesus in his celebration. He certainly plays best when Leroy Sane is on the left. They seem to know where each other is going to be, for the most part.
Aguero – 7.
Should have been awarded a penalty and did miss a handful of chances. Eventually did get his goal, albeit via a tap in. We need Kun Aguero in confident mood going forward, and I’m not sure he is currently.
Sane – 8.
Ran the defensive line ragged throughout the game. Another one, like KDB, who could have been considered having below par performances in recent games. With Silva back in the side though, he seemed much more lively.
Next: A Look Ahead As City Host Watford
Danilo (sub 67) – 6.
Came on for John Stones and did a job. Cannot remember him really being tested though.
Toure (sub 71) – 6.
Looked uninterested to be fair. Maybe I’m being unfair and it’s actually down to a lack of game time, but he strolled through the game and made a few very poor passes.
Bernardo (sub 79) – 6.
Not a whole great time on the field to really judge him. Game had already gone and it was just a case of ball retention. Did have that one moment when he pushed Raheem through and the English winger should have made it 4-1.