Champions League: First leg player ratings
In a period of a crazy nineteen minutes it was gone. Well that’s a little bit of an exaggeration, especially with the second leg still to come, but it sort of feels that way right now. The fact that Manchester City didn’t have a single shot on target just sums up the frustrations of the fans.
Fingers could point to the incident with the team bus on its way to Anfield. Who knows, maybe that did have a baring on the game. UEFA will no doubt look into the incident and take whatever action it deems necessary. For now though, I want to look at our players. How did they do and who, if any, comes out with any credit.
Ederson – 5.
Didn’t look as solid and as confident as he usually does in-goal. Not much he could do for the first goal, as Walker got the ball stuck between his feet. Wasn’t set for the second goal though and had some nervy moments which didn’t result in goals.
Walker – 3.
Looked okay going forward but failed with his crossing. At the back he got caught out for the first goal and gave away the ball too easily.
Kompany – 4.
Tried his best to stop that first goal, but it flew past him. He will be lifting the Premier League trophy soon enough, but maybe have to wait for the European trophy.
Otamendi – 3.
Over ran the ball and looked as if he might end up getting sent off. Lost the ball on too many occasions and wasn’t a great threat at set pieces either.
Laporte – 5.
Was torn about giving him a 6, but this wasn’t his natural position. I think he was one of the better defenders in blue tonight, but that isn’t a great achievement tonight.
Fernandinho – 4.
Too many long shots with no chance of getting a goal.
De Bruyne – 5.
Played out of the game and kept unusually quiet. The defining moment was that free kick which was delivered yards behind the target men.
Gundogan – 3.
Pulled off just before the hour but should maybe have been pulled earlier. Did not look good on the right, pretty poor actually.
Silva – 5.
Similar to KDB, only a little more lively in partnership with Sane. It did seem that we were trying to push stuff down the left.
Sane – 6.
I gave Sane top marks because, although he also was guilty of missing chances, he was still a willing runner for the full 90. When the side lines up without stretching the opposition back line (which is where Sterling, or even Bernardo could have helped).
Jesus – 3.
Not sure what he was doing on the pitch to be honest. Offered nothing to the team and shows we certainly miss Aguero when he isn’t on the field. It’s not so much the amount of running we get from Jesus, but the smarter runs we get from the Argentinian.
Sterling (sub on 57) – 5.
Too little, too late coming on he provided the much needed width. Returning to his old side he could have got the headlines by scoring a vital away goal. As it happened, Manchester City didn’t have a single shot on target. If you don’t have any shots on target, how would expect to score?