Substitutes and Man of the Match
Bernardo Silva
This is proving to be a difficult season so far for Bernardo. Last year he was a star player and now seems to be struggling to get to a level where his performances deserve starts. Of course it is a long season so perhaps it is too soon to be worrying. Was a willing runner when he came on but not threatening.
Player Rating 7
Joao Cancelo
It was good to see him in action but he looks a little rusty and needs some time to bed in fully. Hoping that this first start will come against Watford.
Player Rating: Not Long Enough to Mark
Benjamin Mendy
A 7 minute cameo from our returning left back. Great to see him back on the pitch. We need his power and ability if we are to make an impact on the games coming up.
Player Rating: Not Long Enough to Mark
Man City Square Man of the Match
Sometimes picking the Man of the match is a joy, other times it is pretty hard to make the call. Today for me was relatively straightforward as I felt one player deserved it far more than anyone else on the pitch, and that is Rodri.
This is soon into his City career and yet he may prove to be a colossal signing for us judging by the abilities we have seen on the pitch. Right now he is getting to grips with a new, much more physically demanding league, yet he is doing that with aplomb.
His ability and control on the ball is a joy to watch, he is so self assured and comfortable he does not like he will ever be ruffled. Cool and collected at all times and he seems to have some other skills in his locker which we may get to see more of as he gets more relaxed. Today we saw some dribbling and close control work which was pretty impressive.
Already one of the first names on every team sheet and a worthy successor to our outstanding defensive midfielder – Fernandinho. That is very high praise indeed.