In a second part feature against the Premier League’s only Welsh outfit, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City ran out 2-1 winners at the Liberty Stadium. Although there were worrying signs throughout the match that it was going to be one of them days, goals from Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling sealed the three points in an open and entertaining affair. The Sky Blues have beaten last season’s outstanding start and now spearhead the league at the top with a maximum of 18 points.
It took nine minutes for Aguero to mark his return when a nice moving involving Fernandinho and Bacary Sagna ended in the Argentine cleverly turning away from the Swansea defenders and smashing it between Fabianski’s legs. In an all action first-half, Sagna slipped at the other end and Llorente capitalised on his misfortune to power a strike into the top right. Llorente had an excellent game for the hosts today.
Aguero’s cool penalty put City ahead once more and Sterling’s goal put them out of sight. In another devastating counter-attack constructed by the blues, Sterling teased the defender before skillfully rounding him and slotting home with his right peg.
It wasn’t the greatest of City performances but the win was impressive nonetheless. Here’s how I rated the players from today’s game.
Claudio Bravo
Swansea’s attack pressured the Chilean but his passing was crisp. Not at fault for the goal, Llorente struck it sweet into the corner.
7/10
Bacary Sagna
Great cross for Aguero’s first goal and was unfortunate to be booked and to slip in an eventful first half for the Frenchman.
7/10
Nicolas Otamendi
Was a more physical game than one would think beforehand and it suited the Argentine. Helped out when Swansea used Llorente as a target man.
7/10
John Stones
Never shies away from responsibility and really got stuck in today. Did well in such an open game.
6/10
Aleksander Kolarov
Was more the Kolarov of last season when watching Wayne Routledge murder the Serbian for pace. But on the ball he was the Pep player he has been this year.
6/10
Fernandinho
Versatile as ever, controlled the City midfield and started the attacks single-handedly. Don’t think I’m ever going to give Mr.Consistent anything under 7 at this rate.
8/10
Ilkay Gundogan
Thought he was unfortunate to be first subbed off when Fernando came to solidify things because he was the best midfielder on the pitch for me.
8/10
David Silva
So glad that Merlin is back in action controlling the game. His class gave City the cutting edge today.
7/10
Kevin De Bruyne
Was an strange match for the Belgian who has dominated in City games for the past few weeks. Was much improved in the second half when he was moved centrally and he got two assists there.
7/10
Raheem Sterling
His goal showed how the young kid is a world apart from last season, great stepover and finish.
7/10
Sergio Aguero
Back with a bang, Sergio grabbed two – including a very cool penalty. Took his first well, great first touch. This could be the forward’s biggest season yet.
8/10
Substitutes
Fernando – Solidified the midfield up, looks very much improved this year.