Manchester City got off to the perfect start to their Champions League campaign, as they comfortably beat Feyenoord 4-0 at De Kuip.
It was another fantastic performance from City, as they took their opponents apart with clinical ease. The ball was in the back of the net with just under two minutes gone, as John Stones rose highest to head home from a David Silva cross. It was 2-0 after 10 minutes as Sergio Aguero latched on to a Kyle Walker cross to convert into the roof of the net for his 23rd goal in 41 Champions League games for City. Gabriel Jesus, on his debut in the competition, scored City’s third goal of the night as he slotted home after Benjamin Mendy’s shot rebounded to him after Feyenoord keeper Brad Jones palmed it away.
Despite improving after the break, the home side conceded yet again with Stones scoring another header to consolidate City’s dominance. It was a one-sided game throughout, with the home side struggling to break down a resilient Pep Guardiola side. This result puts City at the top of their group, with Shakhtar Donetsk in second after they beat Napoli 2-1 in Ukraine.
Here are our player ratings from the game.
Ederson - 6
Ederson had barely anything to do, with his highlights being a couple of excellent passes and wearing a Petr Cech-style scrum cap.
Kyle Walker - 7
Walker’s powerful runs down the right flank have become a big feature in City’s new look attack, with one of his runs leading to Aguero’s goal. After that, he settled down more and played a more reserved role for the rest of the match.
John Stones - 8
Two headed goals from corners highlighted the Englishman’s good aerial presence when it matters. His performance was capped off with some fantastic defensive play after throwing his body in the way of a shot at 4-0. He showed class and determination, and has shown massive signs of improvement on last season.
Nicolas Otamendi - 7
Otamendi was a lot better defensively after a terrible performance against Liverpool. Was more confident on and off the ball and was able to help his team build momentum from the back.
Benjamin Mendy - 7
His driven shot led to Jesus’ goal and was always looking to make a great run or cross down the left. Still needs to work on his defensive play, but that will come to him over time.
Fernandinho - 7
Was less involved in the second half, with the game pretty much over, but when was involved he was secure and strong in front of the defence and did the dirty work while City attacked Feyenoord’s backline.
Kevin De Bruyne - 9
Another assist for the Belgian, with his fantastic cross in the second half finding Stones for the fourth goal. The way he drove City forward showed true leadership qualities. Pep mentioned in his post-match interview that Kevin is the best player he’s ever seen. That will only boost the Belgian’s confidence going forward.
Bernardo Silva - 8
After having a few weeks to adjust to the squad and the Premier League, Bernardo is really starting to show City fans his true quality and relentless work rate. He looked fantastic along namesake David and De Bruyne in the attacking midfield.
David Silva - 9
Got the game off to a great start for City with a precise cross to Stones for the opening goal, and then produced yet another masterclass of intricate passing play alongside Bernardo and De Bruyne. Them three already look fantastic together!
Gabriel Jesus - 8
Was on hand to convert when Mendy’s shot was parried by Brad Jones to the Brazilian. His link-up play was fantastic yet again as well.
Sergio Aguero - 8
Showed versatility when he was involved in the build-up play in midfield in the first half, and was clinical when need be after burying a cross from Walker to make it 2-0.
Substitutions
Raheem Sterling (for Aguero 59) – The game was pretty much over when he was brought on – 6
Fabian Delph (for D.Silva 67) – Was below par, but that was understable with not much game time – 6
Leroy Sane (for Fernandinho 71) – Could have scored or set up a fifth – 6