It was always going to be a tough game for the Blues. Wolverhampton Wanderers, at their own ground, had nothing to lose. But there was more to their game than that, and it would be disingenuous to say that Manchester City were poor.
Although City were far from their free flowing best, it was down to the way Wolves played which thwarted a lot of Pep Guardiola’s plans. Yes you could point to the handball goal which was allowed to stand and the penalty which wasn’t given, but these were all decisions which were, in real-time and without VAR, not easily spotted. So how did the players rate?
Ederson – 7.
There wasn’t a great deal the Brazilian could do for the opening goal. Hand or head, the defenders had allowed the Wolves player too much space. Other than that he did what he needed to do well, but didn’t have the distribution range we have become used to.
Walker – 6.
Full of running throughout the game without any final product. Looked okay tracking back although his positioning at times was a little poor.
Kompany – 5.
I love Vincent Kompany and I think he has some great games for the Blues. This one was far from that. Looked shaky at the back and lucky he wasn’t punished more. With Stones and Laporte developing a decent partnership, it is going to be difficult for him unless part of a three.
Laporte – 7.
Great bullet header from the Gundogan free-kick put us back in the game. The young Frenchman continues to impress me, although he still has plenty of room for improvement. Certainly head and shoulders above the Laporte who arrived in January though.
Mendy – 6.
A couple of decent crosses and moments in the game. Showed his pace when tracking back also but just not one of his better games.
Fernandinho – 7.
Pep needs to address this area of the field sooner rather than later. Fernie is an awesome athlete and brings so much to this particular role, but he needs competition and we need another option in that position.
Silva – 7.
Fouled in the area and didn’t get a penalty. He did, however, get a yellow card for his protests. This could be how the season goes for the Blues with decisions not quite going for us. As a senior player in the side though it.
Gundogan – 7.
It was his free kick delivery which led to the equalizing goal. Overall his play wasn't bad with some good balls forward. Certainly an improvement on recent performances, but still has more to offer you feel.
Bernardo – 6.
Was brought off in the second half but that shouldn't be held against him. The Portugal International might have been sacrificed as Pep looked to add more firepower in Jesus. For me though he was a little off from the recent performances we have enjoyed.
Aguero – 6.
The Argentinian was extremely unlucky, striking the post on two occasions. The second one, off the crossbar, came with virtually the last kick of the game. Despite not getting on the score sheet this time, he was still very busy.
Sterling – 6.
Raheem was another guy who didn't have luck on his side in this game. A great strike from outside the box was destined for the top corner. That is, until an equally superb save came from the Wolves keeper, Rui Patricio. Tipping that strike up onto the crossbar.
Jesus (sub 62) – 6.
Gabby came on for Bernardo but really didn't have the desired impact. To be fair, it wasn't just him. None of the subs really came on and made an impact. Of all the stats this one illustrates the frustration with the young Brazilian managing a touch every three minutes.
Sane (sub 77) – 5.
Leroy was just as ineffective when he came on. Aside from that late run, which led to him being fouled and the Aguero free-kick, I really don't remember him doing a whole great deal.
Mahrez (sub 85) – 5.
For Mahrez it was a similar story as the other two substitutes. In Riyads defence though, he had a lot less time to impact.
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