Manchester City: Players rated against Chelsea

Manchester City made another giant step closer to the Premier League title today with a hard fought victory against Chelsea. The Blues now sit eighteen points clear at the top of the table, although that may be cut to sixteen with a United victory tomorrow.

City enjoyed the possession, with Chelsea barely registering a shot on target. In the closing moments Chelsea did come to life, but it was a case of too little too late for Conte’s side. It was probably the most comfortable one goal lead City have ever had, especially against the defending champions. But how did out players do? Not everyone was stellar in their performance.

Ederson – 7.

Wasn’t tested as much as I, and probably he’d expected. Had to come out to cut out through balls on occasion. Slid across the goal in the last minute as a rare Chelsea shot went wide. Although I think he just did that to splash some water on his face!

Walker – 5.

Frustrating the way, on more than one occasion, he gave away the ball. Luckily nothing came from it, but was the weak link for the Blues defense today.

Laporte – 6.

Still looking to find his feet with his new club, and in a new league. He may be wondering why all the talk of this being a difficult league, given the ease at which he just played against the defending champions.

Otamendi – 7.

Did enough without doing anything fantastic. Wasn’t really a threat up front, although he did have the ball in the net at one point. He may be rested in the Champions League game, but has become an important player for City.

Zinchenko – 6.

We saw the how good the young Ukrainian can be, and we saw how hot-headed he can be too. Good with both feet to get himself out of trouble, but then slides in recklessly to get booked. Then he goes to ground again early in the second half with seemingly no regard for finishing the game with ten men.

Gundogan – 7.

In the defensive midfield role Ilkay is doing a fantastic job. Getting forward when he can we didn’t see as many shots from him as we had earlier in the season.

Bernardo – 8.

Scored the goal which one the game, but was also guilty of missing a couple. All told though I think it could be tough for Raheem to get back in the side at this rate.

DeBruyne – 7.

Quieter game for the Belgian by his own lofty standards. That said, he did the job the team required. A couple of decent balls in the box from set pieces kept the Chelsea defenders on their toes.

Silva – 8.

Captain for the day, David provided the assist for his namesake. Tested the Chelsea keeper himself with a great near post strike. Lively and back to pulling the strings.

Sane – 9.

All around good performance. He made a couple of mesmerizing runs, one of which saw Bernardo curl one just over the bar. Almost a carbon copy of the one scored against Arsenal on Thursday, the net bulging from the wrong side!

Also chased back to win balls, including in his own half at one point. A fantastic prospect for the future, and he will be making City fans happy for seasons to come.

Aguero – 6.

Looking for his 200th goal, and is still looking. Maybe he will get that elusive goal midweek, in the Champions League. He will get that goal this season, as he confirms his legendary goal scoring status for the blues.

Next: v Chelsea: Predicted Lineup

Jesus (sub on 85) – 7.

Came on for Aguero, and instantly pressured Courtois. Didn’t have too much time to make an impact, but will be glad of the minutes after his injury.