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Manchester City vs. Nottingham Forest: Player ratings

By James Fudge

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)
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, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Erling Haaland of Manchester City collects the match ball after their sides victory and hat trick during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on August 31, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Erling Haaland of Manchester City collects the match ball after their sides victory and hat trick during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on August 31, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Ederson 8

Didn’t have much to do with Forest only having one shot on target and can remember him claiming a good high ball. Was good, as always, playing out from the back.

Kyle Walker 8

Looked solid in the right-back position with his most comfortable performance yet this season. Moved into a centre-back position when John Stones was replaced by Rico Lewis late on.

John Stones 8.5

The defender looked comfortable in defence and was allowed to bring the ball out of defence, making some through balls, one of which Cancelo couldn’t control. Had a goal disallowed and assisted Haaland in his perfect hat trick.

Ruben Dias 8

Didn’t look to go forward as much as Stones but made more of a defensive impact at the back, making good tackles.

Joao Cancelo 9
Was a constant threat down the left and his performance was marked with an absolute rocket that Dean Henderson couldn’t get near.

Rodri 8

He controlled the first half and was so dominant with Forest attackers unable to get near him, keeping the team on the front foot. One errant pass sticks out.

Ilkay Gundogan 8
Used the ball intelligently and started a number of attacks. Didn’t have his shooting boots on today but we can forgive when we score six.

Bernardo Silva 8.5
Pep Guardiola was right to let him stay and his performances of late show why he is a City favourite. Welcomed Renan Lodi to the Premier League perfectly as he dominated the right flank.

Phil Foden 8
Assisted Haaland for the first and his positioning contributed to his second. Was lively and played a little narrower in arguably his best performance so far this season.

Julian Alvarez 9
The Argentine played his first 90 minutes in the Premier League and was a constant threat in the final third. Linked up well with Foden and Haaland, then equally looked comfortable playing with Mahrez and De Bruyne, showing excellent link-up play. Never stopped running.

The second goal with a sharp control and finish was superb. Could have had a hat trick after he hit the post in the first half.

Erling Haaland 9.5
Ran out of words to write about the Nordic machine. He got in front of the defender for the first, the right place at the right time following good link-up play for the second and a perfect hat trick was sealed after he jumped the highest.

His positioning is just superb. Scored nine goals now, dominating the Premier League golden boot.

Substitutes

Cole Palmer 7
Played well but never shone when the game was all too comfortable. All in his development though.

Riyad Mahrez 7.5
A few fantastic touches, one for Alvarez’s first. Missed a good chance though.

Kevin De Bruyne 7
The Belgian had a mini runout following his break to Formula one. Played a part in Alvarez’s second.

Sergio Gomez 7
Made a few good breaks behind the defence and a good corner.

Rico Lewis 7
Looked comfortable but never really troubled.