Manchester City: Players rated against cinq-nets
It was the first game after securing the Premier League title, and it was at home. This game could have gone one of two ways. Firstly, and with Swansea fighting relegation, it could have been a party hangover for the blues. The second scenario would be that it would be sporadic partying interrupted by Swansea possession.
In the end it turned out to be the latter. But it was so much more than that. I will go into detail another time for just how perfect that first game as Champions was. For now though, I want to focus on our players and their performances.
There were a couple of surprises in the starting lineup, along with quite the parade of substitutions. BlueMendy was back and Yaya Toure got a fantastic reception as his time with the blues comes to an end.
Ederson – 7.
Didn’t really have too much todo.There was that one shot he had to save from Alfie Mawson. Other than that though he wasn’t tested. His distribution was on point as per usual, and even ran out close to the half way line in order to touch the ball.
Danilo – 7.
Did a job on the right, and actually looked decent. Certainly he is no Kyle Walker, but he might have put in a performance to stay on at the club. There again, like Ederson, he wasn’t really tested at the back, but did get forward quite a bit.
Kompany – 8.
Certainly loving that he is back in the City defence. Although he did that seal impression at the other end instead of scoring a goal, we shouldn’t hold that against him.
Laporte -7.
Two games in a row now he’s looked fantastic alongside Kompany. Yes he can still improve, but he is still only 23.
Delph – 7.
Passed on the baton to Mendy late on in that left back position, but went out with a bang. Ran his socks off, chased back to tackle and provided the assist for City’s second goal. I hope that if he does go at the end of the season that he gets the respect from the blues fans he deserves.
Gundogan – 7.
Had a chance to get on the score sheet himself, but leant back a little too much. That aside, he put in a shift covering for Fernandinho. Growing into that position as the games have gone on, maybe he could be a potential solution.
Silva – 9.
Scored the opening goal and was involved in the build up for the second. Pushed Raheem away from him for that first to get the space and ran the midfield. His runs and puppet mastery wouldn’t have me argue if someone said he was the player of the game
De Bruyne – 9.
Losing out to Mo Salah in the PFA Players of the year award the Belgium International put in a sensational performance. Rounded off with that sublime shot to give City a 3-0 lead. Made way for Yaya Toure to a chorus of ‘Oh Kevin De Bruyne!’
Bernardo – 8.
Fastest to react to the penalty miss to slot home the fourth goal. Bernardo on the right gives opposition players an issue. They know what he’s going to do, but he keeps the ball so close to his body and has such quick feet you have to be really careful making that tackle.
Sterling – 8.
Got on the score sheet and was full of running on the left hand side. Provided the assist for the first goal, and won the penalty which Bernardo eventually scored from. The promise this kid has is phenomenal, whether he can realize it is the question.
Jesus – 7.
Missed a couple of chances, including that penalty. Eventually got his goal with a fantastic header and it was well deserved. Every City player put in a shift, including this guy.
Toure (sub on 65) – 7.
It was great to hear the fans chant Yaya’s name. No, he hasn’t always been the subject of their love. Mostly it has been words from his agent which has divided. Make no mistake though, when he leaves City he will leave a legend. Anyone who doubts that just needs to hear the reception he got right up until, and long after, the final whistle.
Foden (sub on 71) – 8.
What a fantastic run he went on toward the end of the game. The guy has a bright future ahead of him, and I think we will start to see more from him next season.
Mendy (sub on 75) – 6.
Been out for a quite a while and it showed. That said, it was good to see him finally back in that blue shirt. He loves the fans, and for someone to have only made a handful of appearances, the fans want him.