Manchester City came back from a goal down to win their Champions League opener.
Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign in a group that they are heavily favored to win easily with three points against FC Porto. The beginning of the match did not go according to the script, with City conceding early to a mazy run from Luis Díaz, but they improved in the second half to get the result. At times, City were lethargic in possession as we have seen this season, but the most important thing is starting the group stage off on the right foot.
Defense
Ederson (GK): Made some very questionable passes out from his own area, putting City in danger, but he was not at fault for Porto’s only goal. (5.5)
Kyle Walker (RB): Used his recovery speed extremely well to sweep up situations where he was not always in the best position, and continued what has been a good spell. (7)
Rúben Dias (CB): A poor giveaway led to Porto’s only goal. It was far from his best performance, but one thing that has stood out to me is that games like this, where individual mistakes could lead to three or four goals, are now only costing the team one. He’s making players around him better, just as Aymeric Laporte does, and the backline unit is much more stable as a whole. One bad pass does not sway my overall opinion after an excellent start. (5)
Eric García (CB): With the absence of both Laporte and Nathan Aké, I was hoping to see what John Stones could do alongside Dias. Stones is much better with a leader and top-line defender next to him, and most of his bad games a year ago came without the help of Laporte. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola decided to play García, a 19-year old who openly wants out of the club, over Stones, who seems determined to fight for his place with no desire to go elsewhere. It’s a stark contrast: one player plays regularly at such a tender age and sees only greener pastures, while a veteran is cast aside but remains determined to fight for his place. The former was rewarded with the start, and had an average at best showing. (5.5)
João Cancelo (LB): While I have believed that Cancelo is the best left-back at the club for some time, that idea has been based on the fact that even though it is not his natural position, he is simply too talented to be left on the bench for inferior players such as Ben Mendy or Oleksandr Zinchenko. That said, today, he looked like a player forced out of position. I still stand by the fact that he should be first choice at the position, however, and trust and consistent game time at left-back is the best way to get him more acclimated to the role. (5.5)
Midfield
Rodri (CDM): Another poor game for the Spaniard in what has become a worrying start to the season. He did little to stop Díaz from wheeling his way around the City defense, and looks like he has been figured out: run at him with pace, and he will crumble. (5.5)
İlkay Gündoğan (CDM): While I have not rated the German recently, he was fantastic today in a Man of the Match showing. He delivered everything I believe his game has been lacking recently: forward intent, driving runs, incisive passes, and a brilliant free kick to boot. More showings like this and he will force his way back into the conversation for the team’s best XI. (8)
Bernardo Silva (CAM): Looked comfortable and electric in central midfield once again, and seems to be building confidence back. The question must be asked: is he better without Kevin De Bruyne? His breakthrough season as one of world football’s stars came when he filled in for the Belgian in central attacking midfield due to a long-term injury, and he struggled with KDB fully fit all of last year. I’m not sure why he wouldn’t thrive with the creativity of one of the world’s best, but today was another data point on this correlation. (7)
Attack
Riyad Mahrez (RW): Had some moments of exciting dribbling but has yet to really hit the ground running this season as far as end product goes, which is emblematic of how the entire team has been playing. (6.5)
Sergio Agüero (ST): Put away the penalty (albeit unconvincingly) for his 40th career Champions League goal. He is beginning to look back to full fitness, and this team desperately needs him healthy and on form. (7.5)
Raheem Sterling (LW): Won the penalty by virtue of being barreled into by the notorious Pepe, but was largely shut out of the game for large stretches. (7)
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Substitutes
Fernandinho (CDM): The nightmare scenario: came on late and will now face a long-term injury layoff. (6)
John Stones (CB): Nothing more than a required change after Fernandinho’s 90th minute injury, but I believe his involvement in this game should have been much more than that. (6)
Phil Foden (CAM): Came on and provided the spark, creating a good assist for Ferran Torres in a bright performance off the bench. (7)
Ferran Torres (RW): An excellent goal, and it is clear to see that he has all of the tools to become a real top player for this club. (7.5)