Not the best of performances and one in which we struggled in large parts, but it’s a results business and we went and snatched it. What a feeling.
Player ratings from Manchester City’s win over Sevilla here:
Hart: Nothing he could do for the goal. Kicking was wayward at times and gave us a scare at the end when he threw it out to Kolarov only for it to be intercepted: 6.
Pablo Zabaleta: Tremoulinas gave him a torrid time down his flank. Doesn’t look 100% yet and was taken off so we could put Kolarov back in his usual left-back berth: 6.
Eliaquim Mangala: Improved, won a lot of duels and came out with the ball numerous times in contests with Sevilla players. Still not convinced by him and Otamendi’s partnership: 6.5
Nicolàs Otamendi: Steady performance, needs to acclimatise to our style and pace quicker though: 6.
Bacary Sagna: His first poor showing of the season. Couldn’t contain Konoplyanka and was found out on a regular basis. However he wasn’t on his preferred side and this evidently showed: 5.
Fernandinho: Uncharacteristic performance from the Brazilian who was caught in possession far too much and wasn’t as energetic and dynamic as he usually is: 5.
Yaya Touré: One of our better players. Created our first, showing excellent close control and strength and sent De Bruyne on his way for our second. Had a couple of good shots that were saved: 7.
Raheem Sterling: Didn’t follow on from his excellent weekend showing and couldn’t get into the game in the second half. Looks tired, Pellegrini should rest him after the Derby: 5.
Kevin De Bruyne: Showed glimpses of class in the first half and made some excellent touches but overall he didn’t grab the game by the scruff of the neck. However, when it mattered he made it count and showed superb technique to slot home with his weak-foot in the closing stages: 7.
Jesus Navas: Again showed signs he is improving and put on an adequate display against his old employers. Ran with more vigour than the rest of his teammates: 6.5.
Wilfried Bony: Had a hand in our first goal and showed good hold-up play at times. Don’t know why he was taken off as we seemed to lose any meaning up top without a focal point: 6.
SUBS:
Aleksandar Kolarov: Sured it up, put a few nice crosses in. Nice to see him back: 6.
Fernando: Passed well and added stability: 6.
Vincent Kompany: Won a header, lovely to see him back. Hopefully him and Mangala start on Sunday: N/A
