In a later article I will look at the different talking points from the game. For now though, lets get down to the player ratings. There were a number of fine performances, and even an appearance from young Phil Foden, something I had suggested might happen in my preview a few days ago.
Ederson - 8: The Brazilian was in fine form again in this game, getting an assist in the process. His distribution was pretty on point once more, including that long, diagonal ball for Aguero's opener.
Kept his concentration for the whole game this time, with no real sign of the lapses seen toward the end of last weekends game.
Stones - 8: It is amazing what a good World Cup can do to a young mans confidence. Left out of the side for much of the second part of Manchester City's season last term, Stones has come back strong. A decent showing in Russia certainly would have given him that confidence in his own ability.
Kompany - 7: Looked comfortable as part of a back three, and did the basic things well. Positioning wise he was very rarely having to chase back and his ball playing, both forward and back to Ederson, was much better.
Laporte - 7: Again the Frenchman was solid at the back. Frustrating at times with his over eagerness to take on the long shot, but solid at the back alongside Vinny and John. Certainly all three will have tougher tests throughout the season, but you have to do a job with whoever faces off against you. In these last two games at least, the young man has done that. Finding himself comfortable in the League after arriving in January you have the feeling he could be a feature moving forward.
Mendy - 9: What a guy! Loved the way he bombed down the wing, providing bullet crosses into the box. He really seems to be enjoying his football, and Sergio Aguero certainly seems to thrive on the delivery.
Fernandinho - 7: Did his usual job at the back, securing the back and allowing Mendy and co the freedom to get forward. To be fair though, there were not that many threats, counter or otherwise, for Fernie to deal with. Mostly, in this case, it was picking up long ball clearances from a desperate Terrier defence and restarting the attack.
Bernardo - 7: Had a solid game, although probably quieter than previous games. He looked comfortable alongside David and is always reliable in ball retention in tight spaces.
Silva - 10: Beautiful day for the Spaniard. Opening scenes of the recently retired International holding his young son, Mateo, was good to see. You may remember David was in and out of the side from around Christmas onward due to the premature birth of his baby.
Watching on, and inspired by the little man, David put on one hell of a show. Pinging balls into the area, turning and sitting defenders on their backsides was retro David Silva. Scoring a beautiful free-kick just the icing on the cake as he was, for me at least, man of the match.
Gundogan - 7: Quieter in the midfield than the two Silva's, Ilkay is another unsung hero. He did a quality job before being replaced by young Phil Foden in the 82nd minute.
Aguero - 9: Scored yet another Premier League hat-trick for the Blues, putting him joint second with Robbie Fowler, the Argentinian also looks as good as we've ever seen him. Missing out on man of the match, for me at least, to David Silva the guy looks lethal in front of goal.
Playing as part of a two, Sergio looked like a man possessed. Scoring his third and final goal with his last touch before being replaced by Leroy Sane, every defense should be nervous. His surgery on a knee injury seems to have given him a new lease on life.
Jesus - 7: Scored a nice little goal but missed a couple also. It might be a bit harsh considering the scoreline, but these are the fine margins in which points move from the single to all three. A positive would be that, despite the early misses, Jesus kept plugging away and doubled the City lead with a precise strike.
Substitutes
Mahraz (On 64) - 6: Got a little under half an hour for the Blues who were already 4-1 up. Full of running and some neat play in the attack play build up for Manchester City he is still awaiting his first goal. Once he gets that I think you will see him relax a little more, then we'll get to see the real Riyad.
Sane (On 76) - 7: Good to see the young German come on, and he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet shortly after his introduction. His pace, against a tired Huddersfield defense, proved troublesome. His shot, saved initially by Hamer rebounded into Kongolo and into the net.
Foden (On 82) - 7: Beautiful 8 minutes for Phil.Foden who is certainly showing growth since last season. The front of my mind was a beautiful sprayed ball from just outside the box to the City right, directly to feet. His vision, with the game being played at speed and defenders coming in, was fantastic. I look forward to seeing this guy make more appearances as the season goes on.
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