A cup semi-final, top of the league and through to the knockouts of the Champions League. Not all is bad. Solid showing against Hull, some nice finishes and the chance to rest some first team players.
Player Ratings:
Willy Caballero: Had little to do. Made a great save early into the second half but still managed to concede a goal: 6.5
Bacary Sagna: Solid again, as per. Stuck to the task well and didn’t have any trouble dealing with the threat Hull posed: 6.5
Eliaquim Mangala: Obviously better than his Liverpool showing but still a nervousness around the ground whenever he has the ball at his feet. Still seems error prone and is very immobile. Hopefully he can move on from it: 6
Nicolas Otamendi: Imperious. Won every battle and wasn’t conquered in any 1-on-1 situation. Won all his high balls and his football on the floor was sound. Thought of him and Kompany gives peace of mind: 7.5
Gael Clichy: Didn’t do badly. Got up and down with vim and vigour but was exposed for their goal: 6
Fernandinho: Wasn’t his best game but put in a few good tackles. Played to the magnitude of the game, which wasn’t massive. Hope he ups his game at Stoke on Saturday: 6
Fabian Delph: I felt he wasn’t as good as prior outings, but others felt he had a good game. He was sloppy with his passing at times but in fairness his directness was refreshing to see: 6.5
Kevin De Bruyne: Superb, again. How many times have I purred over the Belgian on here this season? Great effort to set up Bony’s opener, fantastic bit of opportunism for his first and his free-kick was a thing of beauty. He also worked tirelessly and linked up well with Silva and co: 8
David Silva: Nice to see him get a start. Some brilliant touches throughout the game and he moved seamlessly, however, he wasn’t giving his usual 100% performance – probably because of his delicate ankle and Stoke on Saturday: 7
Jesus Navas: Was wasteful, still hit the woodwork with a decent effort but seemed easily dispossessed and didn’t take his man on enough: 6
Wilfried Bony: Was on hand to instinctively snap up the loose ball for our first and linked up well with KDB and Silva at times, but the ball wasn’t sticking to him regularly and he became frustrated with his lack of involvement. Was slightly static and isolated at times. Needs to get into games more: 6.5
Subs:
Raheem Sterling: Caused trouble down his side as he always does. Great assist for Kelechi’s goal and was a handy threat / outlet to have. Wasn’t as direct as he usually is: 6.5
Kelechi Iheanacho: Another goal for the kid. He enjoys this competition and his goal was a proper striker’s goal – poking home in between two defenders. Hope to see more of him in cup games ahead: 7
Martin Demichelis: Steadied the ship: N/A
