Manchester City: Player ratings in Sheffield United win

Manchester City clawed and fought for a difficult 1-0 win against newly-promoted upstarts Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United proved a difficult task for Manchester City, who were handed a massive boost with the return of star defender Aymeric Laporte. The Frenchman’s presence in the side immediately solidified the defense, and although the game looked destined for a 0-0 draw, a brilliant ball from Kevin de Bruyne found substitute Sergio Agüero to give City a narrow victory and a clean sheet.

Ederson (GK): Didn’t see much action, but a spill nearly cost City a crucial goal in what was a very tense moment and a rare mistake from the Brazilian. (5)

Kyle Walker (RB): Returning to his boyhood club, Walker performed admirably, showing pace and strength while handling his defensive duties well. (7)

Fernandinho (CB): The Brazilian provided stability for a healing backline and made some good challenges as Laporte returned to the team. (7)

Nicolás Otamendi (CB): A much-maligned player, although he looked much more comfortable alongside Laporte, who commands the City backline with ease. (6.5)

Aymeric Laporte (CB): With Laporte back in the side, anything is possible for this team. He did have some moments that showed a lack of recent matches, but an encouraging return that will spark excitement for the rest of the season. (7.5)

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB): Good to see Zinchenko back in the side as he looks to contend with Benjamin Mendy for the starting role, and he performed well in the clean sheet effort. (6.5)

Rodri (CDM): Not the young midfielder’s best game, but did work hard and show good physicality in a hotly contested game. (6.5)

Kevin de Bruyne (CAM): Did what he does best: pick out stunning passes and win this team football matches. On pace to have the greatest assisting season in league history. (8.5)

Riyad Mahrez (RW): Won City the penalty, and overall looked very dangerous once again. He’s quickly establishing himself at the top of Pep Guardiola’s pecking order at a competitive position. (8)

Gabriel Jesus (ST): A poorly-taken penalty and a difficult day for the young striker. He continues to blow hot and cold, and it doesn’t help that his primary competition continues to bail the team out of tight spots. (4)

Raheem Sterling (LW): Once again, eerily quiet from City’s danger man. It hasn’t been discussed much, but Sterling has found it very difficult to get involved in the game in recent weeks. (5.5)

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Substitutes

Sergio Agüero (ST): Found the winning goal, like he does so often for this team. (8)

Eric García (CB): Came on as a precaution given Laporte’s lack of match fitness and maintained the clean sheet he worked so hard for. (7)

Bernardo Silva (RW): On for Sterling in the dying embers of the game and didn’t have time to add much. (6)