After today’s stunning victory over Chelsea, we rate the lads as they put in one of their best performances against the current champions:
Joe Hart- Had little to do but when needed he stepped in commandingly. Aerially sound and steady all round. Kicking was a bit off at times: 7.
Bacary Sagna- Very impressive performance from the Frenchman who carried on from his impressive display at the Hawthorns. Defensively sound, made an excellent tackle dispossessing Diego Costa and worked well with Navas and Nasri. Hard to see where Zabaleta gets his starting spot back at this moment in time: 8.
Vincent Kompany: Superb display from the captain. Seems less rash in the tackle and did the simple things well. Tamed the dogged Diego Costa and kept Hazard and co. at bay. Added another goal to his game and now has as many goals as Manchester United, for what it’s worth: 8.
Eliaquim Mangala: The butt of a lot of criticism last season, the 24-year-old seemed much more composed in the heart of the defence. Timed his tackles excellently and won everything in the air. Forming a good understanding with Kompany thus far: 7.
Aleksandar Kolarov: Up against Ramires and then Cuadrado, the Serb had little to do but got up and down his flank well. His crosses were a valuable tool once more and nearly led to goals from Aguero in the opening half hour. Can’t fault his performance and did a job, as they say: 7.
Fernandinho: Consistent, industrious and City’s MOTM. What a performance from our little Brazilian. Has never had a bad game in a blue shirt, he continued in the same light today. Broke up play, won duels, intercepted play and created- as well as scoring a beauty. Superb showing and hopefully the first of an excellent season ahead: 9.
Yaya Toure: Not his decisive self but kept play ticking and won his battle against Matic in midfield. Had a few attempts quelled in ‘Yaya territory’ on the edge of the Chelsea box. Expecting a big season from the Ivorian: 7.
Raheem Sterling: A nervous home debut for our record signing. Ran Ivanovic ragged at times but lacked that final ball, few passes went astray but overall a steady game for the England international: 6.
David Silva: Another mesmerizing display from the man they call Merlin. Two assists to his name and did excellently providing Aguero-Sterling in front of him. Made the third goal himself and worked tirelessly in midfield. The way he controls and manipulates a game and its tempo/pace is unrivalled and he truly is a joy to watch: 8.
Jesus Navas: His usual insipid self, looked busy and did manage some nice touches but once again he lacked a cutting edge- story of his career: 6.
Sergio Aguero: Wonderful first goal and excellent for him to break his duck. Gave Terry and Cahill the run-around in the first half and linked up well with his offensive colleagues. Had a plethora of chances, including a glorious chance about 40 seconds in which he fluffed. Could’ve had a hattrick: 8.
SUBS:
Samir Nasri: Wasn’t on long enough to make a difference but kept the ball well and helped kill the game. Blazed one over emphatically: 5.
Martin Demichelis: Again, didnt have much to do but spread play and closed the game out for City: 4.
Wilfried Bony: Won aerial duels and held the ball up well: 4.
