It is so close now, you can almost taste the sweet silver. After the 3-1 result enjoyed today by the Blues a dream scenario has become a potential reality. One more victory, or more specifically, the one next week at the Etihad, will secure the Premier League.
Playing us on that day are Manchester United, making it all the sweeter. Of course that game is sandwiched right between the Champions League Quarter Final tie with Liverpool. The truth is, this could be one amazing seven day spell in the history of MCFC.
I will talk about that later. For now I want to focus on rating the player’s performance today. How did our boys do:
Ederson – 7.
Played well in his bit part role. Wasn’t too much he could do about the goal from Bolasie and did provide more than his fair share of out balls.
Otamendi – 6.
Looked a little lethargic to be honest. Did well considering the two 90 minute games played while on International duty. Again, his forward balls were good.
Kompany – 8.
Rock at the back and played the full 90 minutes. I must admit I was nervous with every tackle. Partly because of his record and partly because he is so vital to the defence.
Laporte – 7.
Started off as the covering left back, and played well in that role. Looking more like a player that’s worth what was paid for him.
Walker – 6.
Torn with this guy, he also played two 90 minute games for his National side. However, despite the good forward runs he made, I can remember a few poor passes. Certainly needs to tighten that up when against Firmino, Salah and co.
Fernandinho – 8.
In my preview I had spoken of the trio in midfield being the key. This part of the cog was immense again. Although he took a couple of long shots when he maybe should have passed. He also passed when closer in on goal and could have shot. That said, the stuff he does well at the other end of the field was on point.
De Bruyne – 8.
Brought off after 77 minutes, the Belgium International was on fire. Didn’t really get out of the walking pace, but never really had to. Assisted again and will be excited by the upcoming games.
Silva – 9.
Missing out on the European games looked to have kept the Spaniard fresh. Pulling the strings it seemed as if time slowed every time he got the ball. Playing in a training session, with the vision to do what he wanted, no amount of Everton players could stop him.
Sane – 8.
Played with that swagger we’ve now come to expect. He would have been given a 9, like Silva, but he did that random dribble in his own area. That said, how about that opening goal.
Sterling – 8.
Nice for the Englishman to get on the score sheet in Merseyside. Took the chance full of confidence and maybe that will give him the confidence to do it again on Wednesday.
Jesus – 8.
A lot more movement from the Brazilian meant the Everton defenders had to constantly decide who was picking him up. Got on the score sheet and showed what he offers to the team off the ball.
Next: Eleven To Start Against Everton
Bernardo (sub on 64) – 7.
Brought on for Raheem Sterling and we began to control the ball again. Bernardo gave us that ability to have another player on the field who can keep the ball. That calmed things down a little and helped it not be such a nervous finish.
Gundogan (sub on 77) – 6.
Almost a like for like swap to give KDB the last thirteen minutes off. Gave Ilkay a six because he really wasn’t on the pitch long enough to do anything. Also, City were seeing out the game and so the attacks were a little less frequent and quick breaking.
Danilo (sub on 86) – N/A.
Not enough time to rate.