Manchester City went from sublime to a little less sublime as they emerged 3-1 victors over West Ham United before heading into the season’s first international break. A Fernandinho bullet header sandwiched between a brace for the brilliant Raheem Sterling and an Antonio header for West Ham saw City maintain their perfect start to the season.
You check out how the Manchester City players fared in what was the best first half display of the season by any team.
CABALLERO: 6.5/10
The Argentine showed his calmness and developing accuracy with his feet but was caught out for the West Ham goal as he misjudged the flight of Masuaku’s cross. Other than that was well protected throughout.
ZABALETA: 7/10
Looked more like his old self as he battled away the West Ham resurgence in the second half. Was heavily involved in the build-up play on the right-hand side early on.
STONES: 7.5/10
Looking more of a Guardiola-type player with every passing match. Extremely calm at all times, regularly played the ball out of the back. Strong and composed in the tackle. But suffered a knock which ended his match prematurely.
OTAMENDI: 7/10
Was needed to deal with the physicality of the West Ham attack. Had a fairly positive game in which a last ditch sliding tackle denied Antonio to score. Nullified Fletcher’s impact totally.
CLICHY: 7/10
Lively and energetic. He held on to his conventional spot more tenaciously than Zabaleta with the threat posed by Antonio. Was beaten by Antonio at the far post though for the goal.
FERNANDINHO: 8/10
Scored with a bullet header as he gave City a two-goal cushion. But was particularly impressive as the deep-lying midfielder as he repeatedly broke up play and passed the ball on to facilitate the attacks. And regularly received the ball flawlessly under pressure from Cabellero.
SILVA: 8.5/10
The merlin was back to his best. Orchestrated the play throughout the match with his perfectly weighted through balls. Linked up extremely well with Nolito on the left-hand side and crashed a shot onto the crossbar late in the match. Man of the match for many.
DE BRUYNE: 7.5/10
Getting to grips with his new role gradually. Was regularly involved in the attacking play and looked more fluent. Will improve his end product with more confidence.
STERLING: 9/10
Absolutely killed it with a two-goal display. Seems to be the most improved player under Pep and will look to carry on this form. Is adding the much needed end product in his game. A big plus for City.
NOLITO: 7/10
His link up play with Silva was a delight to watch. Involved heavily in the first goal and looks like a natural fit at City.
AGUERO: 6.5/10
Not his best day in front of goal and might have caused City a huge headache with a potential retrospective action for an elbow on Reid. Worked hard defensively though which would have pleased the manager.
SUBSTITUTE
KOLAROV: 7/10
Was strong and authoritative during his half an hour on the pitch.
NASRI: 7/10
A surprise inclusion in the team and tried hard to impress the manager in the limited time he got. Was pretty close to nicking a goal for himself.
FERNANDO: NA
