Manchester City notched up their 10th win on the trot after defeating Swansea City 3-1. But the performance was far from a perfect ten. On one of the most labored displays of the season, the City side showed guts along with their guile to emerge victorious. A brace from Aguero with a Sterling goal added to a goal from Swansea’s Llorente to make up the 4 goals in the match.
We take a look at how the Manchester City players fared-
BRAVO- 6.5/10
Was cool and composed against planned Swansea pressure on him. A couple of nice touches in the box and was comfortable dealing with speculative efforts from distance.
SAGNA- 7/10
Started the game in brilliant fashion by getting at the end of a Fernandinho cross-field pass before crossing accurately for Aguero and City’s first goal. Was solid in defence apart from an inadvertent slip which made it easier for Llorente to smash home the equaliser.
OTAMENDI- 6.5/10
Had to put the combat mode on today to deal with the determined Swansea attackers. Had a continuous tussle with Llorente.
STONES 7/10
Was put under pressure by the home side but managed to keep his calm. City’s passing build-up did not always come off but that did not deter him from trying.
KOLAROV- 7/10
Dealt with the pace and movement of Routledge pretty well. Would have surely struggled against the same opposition last season but used his new found confidence and form to remain steady and affirmative.
FERNANDINHO- 8/10
Unreal consistency in both defensive midfield and in the advanced areas. Is there anything this man can’t do?
DE BRUYNE- 6/10
Probably his worst game of the season. Under-hit passes, fluffed chances and heavy touch. Everything we don’t generally associate with the Belgian was on show today. But still found enough in the tank to notch up one assist and win one penalty!
GUNDOGAN- 6.5/10
The most underwhelming performance of his 3 appearances so far. But still looked lively and kept his cool to continue playing in a style demanded by Pep even if rest of his teammates weren’t always on the same page.
SILVA- 7/10
Was not quite incisive enough but held onto the ball drawing defenders out of position and got a good run-out coming back from injury.
STERLING- 6.5/10
Not his best performance this season as he fluffed lots of chances but made up from them by putting the game to bed after a fine run and bamboozling the defender for a smart finish for the 3rd goal.
AGUERO- 8/10
Looked off the pace for some parts but being a match-winner is his habit and something we have got habituated to. Scored a brace which included a panenka. Unreal.
SUBSTITUTES
FERNANDO- 6.5/10
Took on Fernandinho’s role after replacing Gundogan. Slotted in well.
ZABALETA- NA/10
NAVAS-NA/10
