Player Ratings: City fail to get three points against Wolves
By James Fudge
When the champions face the newly promoted team, the more established team is expected to win comfortably. That doesn’t happen in the Premier League.
Wolves didn’t hold back as they smelt blood and pushed forward at every counter attack opportunity worrying the defence, while the class of Rui Patricio only denied the precision from the City forwards.
Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero both had the best of the opportunities prior to Aymeric Laporte’s bullet header cancelled out Wily Boly’s handball goal, where the linesman missed an offside and the foul.
Pep Guardiola stated it was a good point against a very strong Wolves side, with City’s attacking play good enough to take the three points on another day. He refused to blame the referee for the goal against them.
"“It was a very good point. We created chances but their keeper made saves, so today we draw. We knew how good they were this season. No complaints. We were in the second half four, five, six times in attack, but it’s always complicated. We created a lot, that’s why it’s good.” Guardiola, speaking to BBC Sport."
Unlike last week, there was no stand out player in this game and difficult to award a City MOTM.
Ederson 7 out of 10
The goalkeeper was comfortable at times and looked good with the ball at this feet, especially compared to the opener against Arsenal. Saved well from Raul Jimenez and Helder Costa.
Kyle Walker 7
Controlled the threat from Diogo Jota well enough after looked like he would had been punished on Wolves’ counter attack in the first 15 minutes. Pushed back deeper by Pep in the first half and coped defensively well. Provided support for Bernardo Silva going forward but didn’t do enough in attack.
Vincent Kompany 6
It was a tale of two halves for the captain as he made his 250th Premier League appearance. Poor in the first half as he gave the ball away for Helder Costa’s disallowed goal and was booked for silly consistent fouling but improved in the second half with the highlight a sliding clearance to prevent a tap in for Wolves.
Aymeric Laporte 7 MOTM
The bullet header was the highlight of the match while the former Bilbao star looked decent in defence. Coped well with the constant pace against him.
Benjamin Mendy 6
Going forward he was near faultless, however failed to cope with direct running style of Helder Costa throughout the game, and Adama Traore when he come on. Threw himself into the challenge too many times and was often beaten leaving Wolves staring down on goal. The foul throw shows the other side of the Frenchman.
Fernandinho 6
Never really stopped the play enough and looked tired in the second half. Went close with an effort in the first half.
David Silva 6
Played well and had a penalty shout but lacked the magic in this game, with Portuguese midfielders doing enough to stop his passing credentials.
Ilkay Gundogan 7
Getting a lot of criticism on social media but I thought he played well enough when pressing and intercepting the ball in attacking half. Had a glorious chance in the first half but his tame effort was comfortably saved. Assisted Laporte’s header.
Raheem Sterling 7
Stretched Ryan Bennett and Conor Coady throughout the first half with deep direct runs, while a stunning effort was matched by their ‘keeper. Got us up the pitch on multiple occasions but was often fouled.
Bernardo Silva 6
Placed on the right wing throughout the game and failed to provide enough quality in the wide areas for Aguero to feed on.
Sergio Aguero 7
Hit the woodwork twice and made Rui Patricio saved. Could had been the match winner if his free-kick was a little lower.
Subs
Gabriel Jesus 6
Leroy Sane 4
Riyad Mahrez 6