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Player Ratings: Manchester City drop points at Leeds

By J.C. Gonzalez

LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: Ruben Dias of Manchester City gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on October 03, 2020 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jason Cairnduff - Pool/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: Ruben Dias of Manchester City gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road on October 03, 2020 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jason Cairnduff - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City came up short once again with a 1-1 draw against Leeds.

Manchester City were poor for the second consecutive week following their 5-2 defeat at home to Leicester, this time dropping two points to newly-promoted Leeds United. While Rúben Dias was handed an exciting debut, it was not enough to steady the ship of what has been a rocky season already.

Defense

Ederson (GK): A very mixed bag. His error is why Manchester City conceded Leeds’ only goal, but he also stepped up to make multiple crucial saves, including in one-on-one situations to give City a point they did not fully merit. (7)

Kyle Walker (RB): Did not look ready to cope with the pace and physicality of Leeds’ blistering attack, and did not even jump on an early headed chance that was thankfully put over the bar. (6)

Rúben Dias (CB): Individually performed fairly well, but the harsh reality he faces is that City need a defensive savior. His presence helped for sure, but the team still looked in danger at every turn. (7)

Aymeric Laporte (CB): Looked decent alongside Dias, but was not spectacular. Hopefully consistency in their partnership will improve their chemistry over time. (7)

Benjamin Mendy (LB): Regular errors, little going forward, and another poor showing for a player who has lost the patience of fans. (5)

Midfield

Rodri (CDM): Was simply unable to keep up with Leeds’ pace. After an encouraging debut season, teams seem to have figured him out when he is not deployed alongside Fernandinho, and have learned that beating him for pace and running the channels is his weakness. (5.5)

Phil Foden (CAM): Had some decent moments but has lacked the spark in recent matches, even with the move back to the middle of the park. (6)

Kevin De Bruyne (CAM): One of his impossible-angle free kick shots nearly came off and struck the post. Other than that, he played well, but could not put his stamp on the game. (7)

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Attack

Ferran Torres (RW): Saw a shot cleared off the line and produced an assist in a decent showing. (7)

Riyad Mahrez (CF): Deployed once again in the free-roam central role, his involvement was severely limited and he could not impact the match. (6)

Raheem Sterling (LW): A tentatively-awarded Man of the Match. His strike to give City the lead was fantastic, but his lack of a clinical edge once again came back to bite him as he spurned City’s best chance for a winner by failing to shoot in a one-on-one and allowing the keeper to collect. (7.5)

Substitutes

Nathan Aké (LB): Came on for Mendy with City desperate and performed relatively well at an unnatural position. Versatility is one of his strengths, and he should be first-choice until João Cancelo returns to full fitness given Mendy’s struggles. (6.5)

Bernardo Silva (RW): Brought some energy as City pushed for a late winner, but it was too little, too late. (6.5)

Fernandinho (CDM): Gave the team more cover late in the match and helped preserve a point. (6.5)