Manchester City vs. Nottingham Forest: Player ratings

By James Fudge | Aug 31, 2022

Manchester City's Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on August 31, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Manchester City has been known for their dominant displays over the years and a Wednesday August night at the Etihad proved to be no different.

Nottingham Forest learnt the Premier League champion’s backyard is the harshest place to come and settle as their new boys were welcomed with a 6-0 defeat.

In truth, Steve Cooper’s team was not awful, they just came up against a team who could do no wrong. A well-oiled machine, a machine of the highest quality.

City made changes with Julian Alvarez coming in and Ilkay Gundogan returning to give the assist king a rest. A team virtually correcting Laura’s predictions, proving she could be the next big thing when managing the Blues.

No player who started the game was disappointing with every player putting in a performance of the highest quality. Erling Haaland’s perfect first-half hat trick shows he’s the best striker available, with his record making a mockery and putting a finger up to the doubters.

Julian Alvarez impressed on his first Premier League start and played the full ninety to give City fans a glimpse of what he can offer. Portuguese duo, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo, also impressed.

Now, for the player ratings.

Let us know if you agree or disagree with the ratings in the comments or on social media.