Manchester City: Players rated at Potters
Manchester City confirmed Champions League football last night, with eight games to go. The victory at the Bet365 now means, no matter what, Chelsea cannot catch them now. What is probably more important though is that City remain sixteen points ahead of United.
Remember, if City can keep that gap, then the title could be won at the Etihad against United. For the City fans, that would be a fantastic way to win it. From now until then, City have some games to play, including a Champions League quarter-final.
Flying to Abu Dhabi directly after the game, how did the blues do on that cold night, away in Stoke?
Ederson – 7.
Had three shots to face all night, none of which were on target. He was involved at the back, coming out at points to ensure an attack didn’t progress.
Walker – 7.
Missed a chance by shooting high and wide. Defensively there wasn’t too much to do, although what there was, he did very well.
He kept the Stoke attackers quiet but I would have liked to have seen more from him going forward.
Kompany – 7.
Calm and secure in the heart of defense for the Blues. Won most, if not all, aerial balls and makes our back four seem that little bit more organised and secure.
Otamendi – 7.
Like Kompany he was a rock back in the defense. Both will have tougher tests for sure, but the chemistry between the two is probably the strongest currently.
Zinchenko – 7.
If you had to be critical of the youngster it would be that his passing wasn’t that great. A few mis-placed passes came to nothing, but Pep will want that part of his game tightened up.
Fernandinho – 8.
I thought Gundogan did a good job in the absence of the Brazilian, and he did. But no one does Fernandinho quite like Fernandinho! His poor long shots aside he was fantastic doing what he does in midfield.
De Bruyne – 8.
Back to the KDB we all know and love. I think he benefits from the partnership with David Silva and we got to see that.
Silva – 9.
Two goals, both with his left foot. Back in the side and pulling the strings in the midfield
Sterling – 7.
He might have got an eight had he not messed up the chance in the second half. Good to see him back in the side though, with the Englishman getting an assist for the first goal.
Sane – 7.
A couple of good, threatening runs. Not really anything like we had seen in previous weeks but the German did well.
Jesus – 7.
As a striker he will be disappointed not to score, especially with Sterling not squaring in that one attack in the second half. Was involved in both goals though and that will please the manager.
Next: City: Predicted 11 To Face Stoke
Bernardo (sub on 85) – 6.
Came on for Sterling with only a few minutes left. Not really much time to rate with the game already won.