Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur: Player ratings

“Are you watching Harry Kane?” sang the Spurs fan, as Heung Ming Son tore through the Manchester City defence and put one past Ederson. A lovely strike from his left foot.

“It was a counter-attack in the end”.

Yes, it was.

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New season, new manager, but the same old story. Spurs sat back, defended as a unit and then attacked when Manchester City looked vulnerable.

A shocking start to Manchester City’s title defence. A lacklustre performance from a team that cost them a combined 550 million pounds. The tempo was too slow and for most of the game, city looked sloppy.

Here is how individual players fared yesterday:

Ederson – 6/10

Did not have much to do in the game in the first half, however, did look sloppy during a free-kick attempt and had to be rescued by Gundogan’s goal-line save from Moura’s shot. Cannot be blamed for Son’s goal as his vision was blocked.

Joao Cancelo – 6.5/10

Started the game well, got into good positions and like always was a good threat on the right-hand side. Did a fluff a chance early on in the game, but overall a decent performance from the Portuguese.

Ruben Dias – 7/10

Another decent performance from Manchester City’s Mr Reliable. Had a solid game overall, but can be blamed for losing his balance in lead up to the Spurs’ goal. His vital interventions kept Spurs at bay for most of the game.

Nathan Ake – 5/10

The Dutch defender is not having the best of the times in a City shirt in recent times. A lacklustre performance against Leicester in the community shield and now a sloppy performance against Spurs. Never looked confident and could have been a lot better during Son’s goal. He will most probably return to the bench, once John Stones is fit enough.

Benjamin Mendy – 4.5/10

Gary Neville’s words sum up Mendy’s performance, “Mendy cannot defend. He can’t defend. He’s so loose in his game.” The weakest link in the Manchester City backline, the Frenchman failed to have any impact on the game.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6/10

A decent game for the 30-year old. His end product in the final third, however, could have been better. The highlight of his performance was the goal line save from Lucas Moura’s shot.

Fernandinho – 7.5/10

Easily Manchester City’s best player on the evening. Like Ruben Dias, made some vital interceptions in the game. Did get robbed off by Dele Ali in a dangerous position and did look weary at the later stages of the game. All in all, a good performance from the veteran.

Jack Grealish – 7/10

A decent debut from the record signing. Was thoroughly involved in the game playing from the left-hand side in the midfield. Had a brilliant first half, drawing a lot of fouls. However, Hojberg (as expected) and Skipp kept him quiet most of the game.

Riyad Mahrez – 5/10

Coming off a brilliant pre-season, everyone expected the Algerian to be Manchester City’s main man yesterday. However, he was missing for most parts of the game and missed a big chance in the first half. Reguilion and Dier kept him quiet.

Ferran Torres – 5.5/10

His performance, just like the one against Leicester, showed why City need Harry Kane so badly. Did make some good and well-timed runs, but could not finish off the chances.

Raheem Sterling – 6/10

Pocketed by Tanganga for most of the game, England’s Euro star looked out of his depth yesterday. One decent run in the game, but other than that the youngster did not give him much space. Work Rate and efforts though were high compared to some of his teammates.

Substitutes-

Gabriel Jesus – 6/10

Came on for Sterling in the 70th minute. Did add a bit of freshness to a tired squad, but could not add anything worthwhile.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5/10

Came on in the last ten minutes and showed City what they were missing. Could have been a different game if not for his ankle injury.

Next. Tottenham 1-0 Manchester City: Champions Defeated. dark

Zinchenko – 6/10

Replaced Mendy for the last ten minutes, but couldn’t add anything worthwhile to the game. Did improve greatly upon Mendy’s sloppy performance.