Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth

Manchester City fielded a very young side as they defeated Bournemouth to open their Carabao Cup defense.

Despite a heavily rotated team, Manchester City were by far the superior side as they continued the quest for their fourth consecutive Carabao Cup title with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. Seven of the team’s starting XI came through the City Football Academy and will look to continue to feature as City advance in the cup.

Defense

Zack Steffen (GK): On his City debut, Steffen looked very good with a great sweeper-keeper play to deny Sam Surridge on a clean break, and could have done nothing on Bournemouth’s goal. If he continues to be comfortable outside of his box, he could pose a real challenge to Ederson in the years to come. (6.5)

Kyle Walker (RB): Helped keep a young team steady as the only veteran presence in the defense. (7)

Taylor Harwood-Bellis (CB): Kept his cool and defended well in some nervy moments, but City were in control for the most part. (6.5)

Eric García (CB): Looked much shakier than last season, missing an interception on the key pass leading to the goal while also tackling recklessly. (5.5)

Adrián Bernabé (LB): As a natural attacking midfielder, it feels harsh to give the young Spaniard a bad review as he was essentially forced into the position as the only left-footer. As expected, he was better going forward than defensively, and was primarily responsible for the goal before getting injured. (5)

Midfield

Rodri (CDM): For the second straight match, Guardiola employed a two-man midfield pivot, which yielded largely the same results. While City did concede some chances, when Rodri and Tommy Doyle won the midfield battle, City looked extremely strong, which happened for most of the game. (7)

Tommy Doyle (CDM): Looked confident in midfield alongside Rodri and should be considered a real option off the bench when City are struggling for depth as they are now. (7)

Riyad Mahrez (CAM): Was largely shut out of the game in the attacking midfield position, but his shot off the post led to Phil Foden’s winner. (6)

Attack

Phil Foden (RW): A Man of the Match showing and a second consecutive impressive game from City’s young star. He followed up a delightful assist Kevin De Bruyne would have been proud of in the first half with the winning goal in the second. On current form, he should be undroppable from this team. (8.5)

Liam Delap (ST): One of City’s most exciting prospects delivered on the hype with an incredible first-time finish into the top corner from Foden’s ball. He was cool, composed, and looked absolutely ready for the first team. With Sergio Agüero injured, he proved himself worthy of a regular bench role in the near future. (7.5)

Ferran Torres (LW): In a game where I expected him to potentially break out with a goal or two, he struggled for involvement. Torres still has everything needed to be a star for City, but this was just not his day against a team that was Premier League-level opposition just a few months ago. (5.5)

Substitutes

Benjamin Mendy (LB): Looked far more comfortable defensively than when he was consistently routed at Wolves, but still has yet to overtake João Cancelo in my view. (6)

Kevin De Bruyne (CAM): Not much of the usual magic off the bench, but helped City get the job done. (6)

Raheem Sterling (LW): Got 20 minutes in off the bench and didn’t have his usual impact. (6)

Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth

By J.C. Gonzalez | Sep 24, 2020

Manchester City fielded a very young side as they defeated Bournemouth to open their Carabao Cup defense.

Defense

Midfield

More from Game Review

Attack