- Phil Foden produced two brilliant assists
- Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush and Savinho found the net
- Rayan Cherki made an immediate impact from the bench
We’ve rated every Manchester City player from the crucial Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium, where Pep Guardiola’s much-changed side beat Crystal Palace 3-0 to keep the pressure on Arsenal in the title race.
Manchester City player ratings vs Crystal Palace
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6.5
Not overworked for most of the game, facing only two shots on target. The goalkeeper dealt with them well enough, but today was more about Man City’s control than a goalkeeper masterclass. Also had one poor late moment when he gave the ball away to Daichi Kamada.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 7
Another solid defensive display from the Uzbek centre-back. Palace had some dangerous early transitions, but Khusanov stayed aggressive, defended his box well and gave City enough recovery pace at the back.
Marc Guehi – 6.5
A steady performance against his former side. Not always completely convincing, with Chris Richards getting a good chance from a Palace corner, but Guehi grew into the game and helped City keep the clean sheet.
Joško Gvardiol – 7.5
Strong return to the starting XI after his injury spell. Made a crucial block to deny Yeremy Pino in the first half and nearly scored City’s third, only for Dean Henderson to produce a brilliant save from his header.
Rayan Aït-Nouri – 7
Played an important role in City’s second goal with the ball over the top for Foden. Also had City’s first proper chance combining with Foden, though he dragged his shot wide. Not perfect defensively, but useful in possession.
Matheus Nunes – 6.5
Had a few uncomfortable moments when Palace broke forward early, especially with the visitors finding space out wide. Improved as City settled into the game and helped Guardiola’s side keep things secure after the opener.
Bernardo Silva – 7
Kept City ticking after a slow start. With Rodri absent and Guardiola rotating heavily, Bernardo had to provide control in midfield, and he did that well as City dominated possession for long spells.
Savinho – 7.5
Started slowly and did not always make the most of his one-on-one moments in the first half, but he kept offering width and eventually got his reward. The Brazilian finished City’s third in the 84th minute after Rayan Cherki’s assist, making sure the scoreline reflected the home side’s control.
Phil Foden – 9
Man City’s best player by a distance. Produced a brilliant backheel assist for Semenyo’s opener, then set up Marmoush with another clever first-time pass before half-time. Even though he went off before Savinho’s late third, this was still Foden’s game.
Antoine Semenyo – 7.5
Took his goal really well. His early finish into the far corner gave City the breakthrough after a flat opening spell, and he gave Palace problems with his movement. Not constantly involved, but decisive when the chance came.
Omar Marmoush – 7.5
Excellent finish for City’s second goal. Let the ball run across his body before turning and beating Henderson, showing real composure in the box. He was taken off for Cherki before City’s third.
Subs
Nathan Ake – 6.5
Came on for Nunes in the 58th minute as Guardiola reshuffled his back line. Helped City manage the game professionally and see out the clean sheet without too much late stress.
Jeremy Doku – 6.5
Replaced Gvardiol in the 58th minute and gave City a more natural wide threat on the left. Almost made an immediate impact when he teed up Marmoush shortly after coming on, but the Egyptian’s effort went just wide.
Rayan Cherki – 7
Came in for Marmoush in the 79th minute and needed very little time to make an impact. Set up Savinho for City’s third just five minutes later, giving Guardiola exactly the kind of late creativity he wanted from the bench.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
Replaced Bernardo Silva in the 79th minute and helped City close the game out. Did not have time to influence the match heavily, but kept things tidy enough in the final phase.
John Stones – N/A
Came on for Foden in the 82nd minute, shortly before City added their third. Not long enough for a proper rating.
