Manchester City player ratings: Matchday 23
It had to come and yesterday, at Anfield, Manchester City’s undefeated run ended. Talk immediately after the game was full of praise for Jurgen Klopps side. Mistakes from City players, in key positions and at key moments, did nothing to help our situation. It would be incorrect though to say that Liverpool were lucky or didn’t deserve the three points.
In an earlier article I had said that Liverpool pressed us and won the second balls. There was more to it than that though. The home side looked hungrier and fitter for the occasion, having not played for nine days. Of course, Manchester City had played twice since then, but that is no excuse. We do have the players to rotate in most positions, we just don’t always rotate as much as maybe we should.
But we are still in all four competitions and, later today, focus will turn to next weekend and Newcastle’s visit. For me though, I’d like to rate our players performances from yesterdays game.
Ederson – 5.
Usually unflappable, the Brazilian keeper was beaten by Oxlade-Chamberlain foe the opening goal. His positioning for that was questionable. In the second half the fourth goal, from his poor clearance, rounded off a crazy nine minutes. Picking the ball out of the back of the net on four occasions is something he is not used to doing.
Walker – 6.
Thought he started the game very well. Certainly the ball to Sane for the equalizer was beautiful. Second half though he seemed to tire, and Mane had him pinned back a little more than we are used to seeing.
Otamendi – 5.
Like Walker I thought he started the game well. Failed to take control in that nine minute crazy spell though, was booked and wasn’t as dangerous in attack on set pieces.
Stones – 4.
A couple of mistakes in previous games led to goals. This time he was out muscled for another. Should it have been a foul? Maybe. Certainly less contact would have been required the other way around for a penalty. Not enough contact though to take blame away from him though.
Certainly the defensive woes showed they haven’t gone away and needs attention sooner rather than later.
Delph – 3.
I guess the plan was to expose the weak link in our defense. Fabian Delph certainly was that and was robbed of the ball for the opener. Injury came after half an hour and he left the field of play. Not his greatest game in a sky blue shirt.
Fernandinho – 5.
Uncharacteristically sloppy in the midfield, and it put City off their stride. Usually he is the man to influence the game for City but on this occasion he found himself making mistakes, giving the ball away and generally being ineffective.
Gundogan – 6.
I liked this guys progression over the past few games and was best of the rest in this game. Scored the goal to bring us within one of a point he showed us what he could do. This was not a game in which one player could carry the side though.
De Bruyne – 6.
Like Gundogan, KDB was quieter than usual. Despite that, he still managed some quality balls into the Liverpool area and almost got an assist on an equalizer. The ball went wide, and Aguero was offside though.
Sane – 7.
Scored the goal which brought us in at the half, level. Possibly the blues best player on the day he was full of running. On goal kicks he would pull the defense apart by running from his left-wing position to the right in order to pick up the ball.
Sterling – 4.
Was booed on his first touch and fouled habitually by opposition players. Didn’t have the greatest of returns to his old side, but could still quiet a few by winning trophies this season. He finally got relief when he was substituted, but for me the switch should have happened earlier. He was seemingly affected by the booing, but needs to take that next step by using it to enhance his play.
Aguero – 5.
Almost grabbed the equalizer with the last play of the game. Had he done so the previous 90 minutes would have been forgotten. He didn’t though and, as a result, was ineffective. Marked out of the game he rarely saw the goal, nevermind even sniffing out a chance.
Danilo (sub on 31) – 5.
Forced on early because if Delph’s injury but really didn’t take the chance by the scruff of the neck. Possibly could have got the ball off the line as Firmino scored, but was slow to react. That could be match rust, but it proved costly.
Bernardo (sub on 71) – 6.
Actually liked this guy coming on. I thought Raheem should have gone off earlier as it was clear he was being affected by the crowd. Bernardo scored City’s second with his left foot, which set up the chance of a comeback.