Sunday, September 30, 2018

City Dominate Brighton: Players Rated

Manchester City will go into next weekends six pointer ahead of their opposition after this past victory against Brighton. The three points gained at the Etihad now put them level on all stats with Liverpool who have a poorer goal difference.

It was a comprehensive win for the Blues, as you might expect. However it did take a piece of solo running from Sergio Aguero to make the result safe in the 65th minute. So, how did I rate the players?

Ederson - 6.

Once again the City keeper had a decent game, although he really wasn't called into action too many times. Just a single shot on target from Brighton with four actual attempts should always result in a clean sheet, more often than not. He will certainly be tested more next weekend.

Walker - 7.

Returned to the right back position, which was deputized quite well midweek by Danilo. Not sure if Pep will rotate for the midweek match but he should is certainly showing the kind of form we will need next weekend.

Otamendi - 6.

Had another solid performance at the back, without really being noticed. For a defender, that can be a good thing though. It means you are not making those last minute recovery tackles, or fouling to stop break aways.

Laporte - 7.

Was good alongside Otamendi, and didn't show too many nervous moments. Did get wiped out at one point by an opposition player, but managed to pick himself up and dust himself off.

Zinchenko - 7.

On the outside in pre-season, the player decided to stay and fight. He got his first start midweek, and made it two straight this weekend. The guy can do a decent job for Pep at the back, it's just his decision to shoot from distance which frustrates me a little. He may have made a good gamble to stay after Mendy finds himself on the outside looking in right now if news reports are to be believed.

Fernandinho - 6.

Back after being rested midweek, he looked fresh. Although, this was a good game to ease yourself back into the flow with. 80% possession from the Blues meant the defensive midfielder really didn't have to do too much defensively. Had a penalty appear against him denied although replays showed it did hit the hand. It was a poor attempt of a header which could have given the opposition a chance to get back into the game.

Silva - 7.

Captain until the 88th minute when young Phil Foden came on. He did his best to ping balls around and break down the Brighton defence and we certainly saw some beautiful passages of play.

Bernardo - 7.

Made no secret that this guy is quickly becoming my favorite. He seems to enjoy his football and will be pivotal on Sunday. I think he may find himself on the bench for Tuesdays Champions League fixture though.

Sterling - 8.

Scored the opener and provided an assist for the second. The Englishman, who was berated by England fans in the World Cup is quickly seeing his value rise week after week. He is growing as a player, and that can only be a good thing.

Sane - 7.

Substituted after 70 minutes for Riyad Mahrez the German International looked lively once more. There was a scare early in the first half when he seemed to be struggling a little. However, he provided the assist for Sterling for City's opening goal.

Aguero - 8.

Critics were wondering on the relationship between Sergio and Pep when the ex Barcelona man first arrived. Now starting their third season together and I don't think I've seen Aguero in better form. Not all about the scoring of goals, although he can and does that, he is also about the movement ahead of him. It was his pass to Sane which led to the opening goal. Again, it was his driving run which led to the second. Substituted immediately after, he was full of smiles as he walked off.

Jesus (on 65) - 6.

Had a good twenty five minutes to put his mark on the game, but didn't get on the score-sheet. Still, we have to remember he is only 21 and has a lot to learn. He does still provide a lot of the running, dragging the opposition out of position for other opportunities.

Mahrez (on 70) - 7.

Came on for Leroy Sane on the left and then instantly drifted to the right. Had a good couple of games previously for City, this was all about keeping his legs warm for the upcoming games.

Foden (on 87) - N/A.

Came on for a little cameo toward the end of the game. Did well without really having the time to impact.


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