Never Felt More Like Singing the Blues: Player Ratings

Ederson 7

The Brazilian wasn’t troubled with little to do, though did make a couple of important saves to maintain the clean sheet. His confidence in sweeper helped solidify the two at the back at times.

Ederson was accused last season of being unable to stop shots, however, the serious competition of new signing, Ortega, appears to have given him some additional umph.

Walker 6

Pushed inside alongside Rodri, he put in a solid defensive performance. His pace and full-back expertise were crucial to preventing any Bournemouth counters.

However, his new position exposes him in an attacking sense. His passing isn’t at the level of some of his teammates. Still, as always, one of the most important players on the pitch. Perhaps his new role is one he will grow into.

Dias 7

The Portuguese number 3 also had a quiet game – which I think is a sign of a solid defensive performance. Had his head down, did what he needed to do and contributed to the clean sheet.

Ake 8

Fantastic performance and my MOTM. He did it all. Winning ariel duels, kept the back solid, interceptions, recoveries, preventing dangerous counters and even runs into the box.

His confidence is growing the more the starts, and I think it will be difficult for any of the other centre backs to knock him off his perch.

Cancelo 7

Pushed further forward that he was against West Ham and staying out on the left, creating width to help breakdown a stubborn Bournemouth.

Good defensively, good going forward. A couple of wasted opportunities to create something early on, though managed to force an own goal from Lerma with his ball across the box.

Rodri 8

Another outstanding performance from the best CDM in the Premier League, and nominee for the Man City Square d’Or.

Great defensive work to break up possible counter attacks, intelligent balls forward and opportunities in front of goal.

De Bruyne 8.5

Popping into the spaces around the box, vital in City’s counter attacks, his drives forward, individual goal, the assist, the Belgian illustrated why he’s the best at what he does.

Gundogan 7.5

Another in midfield bringing control and intelligence to the game for City. Silky Ilkay popped up in small spaces around the box at the right times, dropping back again when needed.

This allowed him to break into the Bournemouth penalty area and finish off a chance created by Haaland. They link up well, the two former Dortmund guys.

Foden 7

Managing a goal and an assist, he cannot be forgiven for taking a shot instead of laying it off to Haaland for a tap in during the first half.

Mahrez 6

Mahrez looked promising going forward in the first half, linking up well with De Bruyne and driving into the box. He was quiet in the second half.

Haaland 7

Whilst he didn’t make it onto the scoresheet on his home debut, he did register an assist for Gundogan.

Coming close on a number of occasions, it seemed as though everyone but him was going to score. He did occupy the Bournemouth CB’s creating space for other City attackers.

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Grealish (6) came on for Foden at half time, with Bernardo (6) coming on for Gundogan not too long after half time, and Stones (6) replacing Dias. Alvarez (6) for Haaland and Lewis (6) made his Manchester City debut whilst replacing Walker late on.

It was at this point that the dynamics of the game changed, feeling a little more like a training session. Whilst the blues continued to dominate, the play seemed a little heavier.

As we know, Manchester City were not the only Manchester side involved in a 4-0 pasting, with United losing 4-0 away to Brentford.

“I’ve never felt more like singing the blues, City win, United lose, oh City, you’ve got me singing the blues”.