City V Fulham: Player Ratings

So long International break and hello real, meaningful football. The Premier League continued this weekend, with Manchester City hosting newly promoted Fulham. In the preview I had spoken about the potential for a return to the starting lineup for both Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling. And so it proved to be, with it not taking long for each to make a mark. I will talk more about the interesting take aways I got from the game in a later article, for now though I only wish to focus on the player ratings from the game.

Ederson – 7.

Again there really wasn’t too much for the Brazilian to do other than a couple of Shurrle shots in the first 45. Again though it was his distribution, and calmness when playing out from the back which gives him a high rating. Almost got another assist with a great ball forward to Aguero, but it wasn’t to be.

Walker – 7.

Enjoyed going forward and showed a real turn of pace to assist in the attacking half.

Otamendi – 8.

Fantastic last ditch tackle from the Argentinian maybe didn’t change the game, but was good to see. Beat Mitrovic in the majority of contests all over the field and looked strong and commanding.

Laporte – 7.

Had that one moment when he gave the ball away in a dangerous area. Looked good alongside Otamendi though as another partnership is developed.

Delph – 8.

Had a Delphino moment running into the opposition box, beating a number of Fulham players. Defensively he offers just as much to the side as Mendy if not more, although he doesn’t have the pace down the wings of Mendy. Solid performance.

Fernandinho – 8.

It was his cross which led to the opening goal within two minutes for Leroy Sane. His work rate never dropped from there and he covered every blade of grass.

Bernardo – 9.

What can be said about young Bernardo which hasn’t already been said. He plays with such love for the game and is starting to muscle his way around a little more. Case in point, City’s second goal when shoulder to shoulder he won out and crossed for David to score. For me a man of the match performance for just his impromptu Seal impression during the game.

Silva – 8.

International retirement seems to suit David Silva who, although wasn’t his sparkling self, did net his 50^th League goal for City.

Sterling – 7.

A good save from Bettinelli saw Sterlings first half strike hit the crossbar. His critics will say he should have buried it anyway, and maybe he should, but he kept plugging away. Eventually his hard work paid off and he converted seconds after the restart. He was a threat going forward and the goal was the least he deserved.

Aguero – 7.

Off ten minutes after the restart is never a good sign when it’s your record goal scorer. Didn’t get on the score sheet himself, again, but did have a hand in two of City’s goals.

Sane – 8.

Interesting all the talk over the International break, and the birth of his daughter. Some people will always speculate on reasons clubs and Managers do what they do. It’s not the first time Leroy has had to fight his way back into the squad and it won’t be the last. No better way to celebrate the birth of your daughter with a goal though.

Jesus (on 54) – 5.

Disappointing yet again for Gabby. On for Sergio and had a good almost 40 minutes and couldn’t get on the score sheet.

Gundogan (on 67) – 6.

Thought the guy was going to start but he would instead appear from the bench. Replacing Delph was quite an unusual switch, with Walker going over to the left and Fernandinho covering the right. Love the way Pep tries out different options in game scenarios.

Mahrez (on 74) – 6.

Manchester City were in the ‘cool down’ phase of the game when the Algerian came on for Raheem. These two may have their roles reversed come Wednesday in the Champions League, but for me, Raheem is still the man