Manchester City Shoot Down Gunners: Players Rated

I must admit, I was a little nervous heading into this opening game. With a new manager at the helm of the Gunners you never really know what you'll actually get. Add to that the lack of preparation for Manchester City and many of their 'first' team players and a trip to the Emirates was not ideal.

Turns out though, there was nothing to worry about. Arsenal are a side in transition though, and it showed during parts in the game. Some City players shone in the Nations capital while others displayed a little bit of rust coming in for their first competitive game. So how did the City players rate?

Ederson - 7.

The Brazilian keeper made some important stops, but really wasn't tested all that much. His concentration seemed to fade towards the end of the game, which a couple of loose passes. However, it didn't cost the Blues and he left the game with a clean sheet.

Walker - 8.

Showed a real turn of pace down the wing and a decent understanding with Riyad Mahrez. Had a fairly comfortable game and is showing signs of growing into his role under Pep. Sliding into the middle and converting to a back three at times, Walker was full of energy.

Stones - 8.

Loved this guy's performance in the game. I must confess I feared the worst when his name appeared alongside Laporte prior to kick-off. However Stones did a solid job at the back, making important tackles when needed.

Laporte - 8.

Like Stones, the Frenchman did well at the back. Unlucky not to get on the score-sheet with his shot from a spilled Mahrez free-kick. If these two can start to work out a decent partnership then they could be the regular pairing for the next decade.

Mendy - 7.

At last, we have someone down the left who can do what Walker does. A great understanding already with Raheem Sterling, he is like a new signing. Had a couple of mistakes, which put his score down, but I am sure he will grow into the League.

Gundogan - 6.

Wasn't too keen on the German's performance in this game. Thought he was quite quiet throughout the fixture but maybe that's a little unfair. Maybe the mask he had on impeded his peripheral vision? 

Fernandinho - 7.

Steady job in front of the backline. Slotting back to cover as defenders were forward, Fernandinho made some decent play breaking tackles. Made it easier for the likes of Stones and Laporte to get forward at points, knowing he was their insurance.

Mahrez - 7.

Unlucky to not get on the score-sheet with a fantastic freekick. He has slotted into the side effortlessly and looks dangerous down the right with Walker. His first goal will do a lot to calm him as I feel he is looking too hard to get off the market. 

Bernardo - 8. 

Was fantastic last weekend in the win against Chelsea and was good again yesterday. Beautifully taken goal in the second half after Aguero had wasted an opportunity, to ease the nerves. It seems as if the Portuguese man will get more starts this season if Pep has his way.

Sterling - 8.

A 'poor' World Cup for Raheem with England was put behind him with this performance. Full of running and energy, the players surrounding him at City compliment him. The interplay he can have with Bernardo, Aguero and Mahrez is a level above what he might have enjoyed with Alli, Kane and Lingard!

Aguero - 7.

Sergio played all but ten minutes of yesterday's game before being replaced by Jesus. The Argentinian might have regrets for not squaring to KDB for a tap in moments prior to Bernardo's goal, but put himself around for most of the game. Strikers are renowned for being selfish, and who would blame Aguero for going alone? Well, other than KDB...and City fans had Bernardo not put the game to rest.

Subs:

De Bruyne - 6.

Replaced Mahrez with half an hour on the clock. Was left frustrated with Aguero for not picking him out, but did okay otherwise. Returning to the side, he added a threat with his pin point passing. This run out was a good chance to get some minutes in his legs for the Blues. Remember the Belgium International only returned to Manchester on Monday.

Jesus - 5.

Not a great deal of time to impact the game with just ten minutes remaining. The match rating reflects the game already done and not much time to make an impact.

Sane - N/A.

Even less time to make an impact than Jesus. The German, who was snubbed by his National team coach, did have a good preseason and was most likely only used to remove Sterling who has only a few days training prior to this fixture.

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