Champions League: City down but not out
It will not go down as a classic match by any stretch of the imagination. With a 4-0 lead from the first leg, it was never going to be one of those classic ‘attack at all costs’ game from City. Youth was the theme of the night. After Claudio Bravo and Yaya Toure it was Ilkay Gundogan the next eldest in blue.
I will look at the positives, and the talking points from the game in a future article. For now though I am just going to focus on player ratings from the game. The score sheet shows defeat, but as we know, there is always more to the game than a result.
Bravo – 7.
Not much he could do about the first goal, but may feel a little disappointed with the second. He did do well with balls over the top from the Basel midfield, raising a smile from Ederson in the process.
Danilo – 5.
Was not comfortable at all on the right back role. I am not sure if it was because he was alongside some young defenders, but he looked off.
Stones – 6.
Still not got back to the pre injury John Stones, the Englishman looked nervous. I am sure he will rediscover his form soon, but it can’t come soon enough. He may have been better had he been alongside Kompany or Otamendi, but he wasn’t.
Laporte – 6.
Similar to Stones Laporte might have benefitted from a partner who was enjoying better form. That said, this could be the center back pairing for City for over a decade. So, with that in mind, the more we get them together the quicker they’ll find that chemistry.
Zinchenko – 5.
Had a poor game at left back. Wasn’t too bad going forward, but not impressive at the back on this occasion. Too many loose balls which I am sure Pep will address later this morning.
Gundogan – 6.
I was shocked to see the German start, especially as Toure was also in the starting lineup. One yellow card away from a suspension, I was sure Pep wouldn’t risk him. Gundogan was substituted after 66 minutes and will be available for the Quarter Finals.
Toure – 5.
Lack of urgency and desire from the blues also summed up Yaya’s game. Looks like he is just going through the motions now, the FA Cup hero from 2011 is now a shadow of that man.
Foden – 7.
Youngest Englishman to start a Champions League match, and didn’t look out of place. It was certainly good to see the youngster back from injury and participating in a Champions League knockout game.
Bernardo – 6.
Provided the pass for the Gabriel Jesus goal. A few minutes later he scuffed a shot, which could have made it 2-0. I had to check he was still on the field in the second half though, he was all but invisible.
Sane – 8.
The only City player who seemed to have that sense of urgency. Looked good going forward, but even he wasn’t at 100%. A good run, taking on the Basel defence, ending with the goal was a highlight.
Jesus – 6.
Scored a goal, then got buffeted around for the next 80 minutes or so. Again, like may others tonight, he will have better games.
Next: City Predicted Lineup v Basel
Diaz (sub on 66) – 7.
Came on for Gundogan and instantly made an impact. Compared to Messi, you could certainly see the slight resemblance. Yes he has a long way to go to even touch that level, but the turn of pace, low center of gravity and running at defenders certainly excited me.