Manchester City: Player ratings from Wembley win
Manchester City returned to wining ways on Saturday evening in London. Taking on Tottenham Hotspur, the Blues were coming off quite a poor seven or so days. Much has been written about that over the time, my hope for today’s game was that we’d see a reaction.
In a later article I will go into depth into what I think we learned about our side during this game. For now though I want to focus on individual player performances as City pulled themselves to within one win of lifting the Premier League title.
Ederson – 7.
Again, his distribution was fantastic. On the other side of his game he also made a few decent saves, including the long-range effort from Lucas Moura. Equipped himself well, calmly playing out from the back despite conceding eight goals in the last three games.
Walker – 7.
Nervy opening few minutes for the ex-Spurs man but he quickly found his stride. Full of running and open to receive balls at any time the guy had one of his better games of recent months.
Kompany – 8.
A rock at the back once more and provided the assist for City’s opening goal with his route one ball. Hearts were in mouths after Davies clattered him, but the Spurs man certainly seemed full of apologies at the final whistle. That was really good to see, as was Kompany seeing out the full 90.
Laporte – 6.
If this game is anything to go by, the Frenchman is finding his feet in the Premier League. He certainly had his moments he’d rather forget, but he also was strong in challenges and, alongside Kompany, looked better.
Delph – 7.
Back to Delph at the back on the left, and he put in a performance. With Benjamin Mendy returning to the U-23 side 24 hours prior, Delph did himself no harm in today’s game.
Gundogan – 7.
Scored a calm penalty by placing the ball in the side of the net, and out of the reach of Hugo Lloris. Even if the 6’2 Frenchman hod gone the right way, he wouldn’t have got anywhere near. Stepping in the boots of Fernandinho, the German equipped himself well.
De Bruyne – 9.
Back to his best in this game. Sure, there were not many, if any, crosses in behind the defence from wide positions. However he, along with David Silva, had a hand in almost everything going through the middle. A cheeky little lay-off to Raheem Sterling in the second half could have made the result comfortable, earlier.
Silva – 8.
Again, controlling the midfield with KDB. Precision balls played through the heart of the Spurs defense seemed so easy for the Spaniard. Again, playing the full 90 minutes, an iconic City player got to go through his whole playbook of tricks and flicks.
Sterling – 8.
Critics of the Englishman would say that he wastes too many chances. In this game, as against Manchester United a week ago, it was true. However, he is full of running, and gets into decent positions.
His upper body strength is good, going shoulder to shoulder with van Dijk midweek, and again with Sánchez tonight. Once he moved inside, the guy had a host of chances before smashing home from close range.
Jesus -7.
Scored the opening goal, and then got booked for no real reason. He could be so much better if he was able to control his silly little kick outs and pull backs etc. Took the first goal with the calmness of a seasoned pro, but then fluffed his lines in the second half.
Sane – 8.
Brought off for Otamendi in the 64th minute the German winger gave everything. Tactical, rather than for any other reason, he looked good and gave Kieran Trippier something to constantly think about.
Otamendi (sub on 64) – 7.
Came on for just under half an hour and did well as part of the back three. Having looked a little leggy in the previous games, the Argentinian looked to have benefitted from not starting yet again.
Bernardo (sub on 76) – 7.
Am starting to think this guy has a claim as my favorite. The guy comes on, is full of running and rarely loses the ball. High energy and willing to run at defenders he provided a threat on the right for the final fifteen.
Toure (sub on 89) – N/A.
Came on as a chance to say goodbye to the Blues fans. Playing at Wembley, where he scored those vital goals what seem like an age ago now. FA Cup Semi Final winner against United and the same against Stoke in the Final of 2011.
Now, seven years on, he is saying his farewells.