Manchester City: Men against Moyes

Manchester City walked out at the London Stadium to a guard of honor. What has now become tradition for the newest Premier League winners before the game, West Ham players stood to applaud. And for the next 90 minutes they did little else.

Second to most balls, the home side rarely retained possession. In fact, you would be easily forgiven if you’d thought it was West Ham who had just won the title, and Manchester City fighting relegation. Such was the urgency of play from the visitors and the pedestrian nature of the hosts that they only managed the single shot on goal.

Now, purely chasing records and on course to break most, City show no signs of slowing as they attempt to finish the season strong. On course to break goals in a season (currently one behind the record) and wins in a season (currently tied) the points and winning margin will also surely fall. Doing the right thing, game by game, and keeping focus will be key. So how did the players do today?

Ederson – 7.

Didn’t have too much to do in the shot stopping department. The one shot West Ham had on target went in, so you could say he failed 100% of the time with saving shots on target. What he does as a sweeper keeper is why Guardiola loves him, and why the occasional jog to pick the ball out of the net is not really noteworthy.

Walker – 7.

Back after being rested against Swansea there were slight concerns when he had to go off. Holding his groin we can only hope it is precautionary. During the hour he was on though he wasn’t a threat really going forward. Yes he made some important tackles. But I don’t remember him getting forward too often.

Otamendi – 6.

Did well in Kompany’s absence although he really wasn’t tested to any great level. Frustrating us again, not with the yellow card, but then the fouls in midfield after picking up the yellow. I was expecting him to be sent off if I must be honest.

Laporte – 6.

Growing into the League, he manhandled Arnautovic is some situations. At only 23 he still has the best to come, and he is already adapting to the speed of the English game.

Delph – 6.

Again, did very well as a stand in for Benjamin Mendy. The Frenchman was on the bench, although not used. In every game Delph is cementing his case to stay at the Blues, and maybe fight for that left back role with BlueMendy.

Fernandinho – 8.

Good to have him back. The hardest working City player by far today. Got his goal also, which was very well dispatched.

De Bruyne – 8.

A more subdued performance from the Belgium International. What I mean by that was that there were no killer through balls, or balls around the back. Instead he was pressuring the man on the ball hard, and breaking up play.

Gundogan – 7.

Didn’t have the best of games today. He made a few contributions in the tackling department and had a couple of shots, but was otherwise absent.

Sterling – 9.

Should have had a penalty, and certainly could have got on the score sheet himself. His performance and running, both with and without the ball, was fantastic. Hard work and a continuation of that effort will see him make that leap from potential to realised ability.

Jesus – 7.

Got on the score sheet  after starting and finishing the move. He likes to run and interchange with Raheem and Sane and that confuses the defense no end. At one point three defenders had their eye on him, allowing others to move around.

Sane – 8.

Ran at defenders, and that’s what we want to see. He has the pace and skill to beat and outrun most of the league. He just lacks the confidence I think. Today he found some of it, albeit against Pablo Zabaleta, a decade his senior.

Next: Predicted Lineup to face West Ham

Danilo (sub on 61) – 7.

Came on for Walker and added an attacking threat. There are not many times this season when the Brazilian has been a more attacking threat than Kyle, but today he was. Of course, to be fair, the game had been won at that point also.

Toure (sub on 71) – 7.

The fans wanted him on, and he came on. The fans wanted him to score a goal (which would have tied the record) and he stepped over a free-kick. The Ivorian didn’t convert, but the fans let him know he was loved. Cake or no cake, he’ll get cheered every time he steps on the field until the final game of the season.

Nmecha (sub on 80) – 6.

Didn’t really have too much time to impact, and the game was already won. Did himself no harm with the performance, and his Premier League debut is something he’ll remember, and hopefully build on.