Manchester City played out one of the best Champions League matches of all-time as they emerged 5-3 winners over a sparkling and free-scoring Monaco side to carry a 2 goal lead over to France in the 2nd leg. Monaco, who are the leading goalscorers in Europe were always expected to cause problems for Pep Guardiola and his jittery back line but once Gael Clichy and Kolarov were ruled out on the eve of the match, it was expected to be a tall order. And add some shambolic individual defending and goalkeeping, it seemed that Monaco would kill off the tie at Etihad itself.
But a second half turnaround started by a saved penalty saw City hit back and overpower the Ligue 1 opponents and emerge as deserving 5-3 winners.
Let us take a look at how the players performed over the 90 minutes.
CABALLERO- 8/10
A nervy start where his miscued clearance led to the opening goal and he played a part in the second goal as well. But redeemed himself with a penalty save and booted stop from point blank range.
SAGNA- 7/10
Was solid and was mostly up for the task. Not a lot went down his wing but looked the least shaky of the 4.
STONES- 7.5/10
A horrible defensive display in the first hour or so but he redeemed himself with a goal and then recovered well to defend solidly at the end.
OTAMENDI- 6.5/10
Wasn’t his best day as he was singled out by the pacy Monaco attackers and he conceded a penalty with a foolhardy tackle on Falcao.
FERNANDINHO- 6/10
Pep was forced to play him at left-back with injuries to Clichy and Kolarov. But he was horribly exposed and was rightly hauled off.
TOURE- 8.5/10
The pace and counter-attacking nature of Monaco had the fans worried but the Ivorian was up for the task and other than a few nervy moments while on the backfoot, he orchestrated the play well and was heavily involved for the Sane goal.
SANE- 9/10
Pace, power, precision. The German is slowly becoming the most important part of the team and has improved by leaps and bounds in the last couple of months.
SILVA- 8.5/10
Pulled the strings and showed power and a few darting runs which showed his intent. Has become remarkably consistent.
DE BRUYNE- 8/10
Excellent at times but those were few and far between. Not entirely happy with the deeper role but his deliveries are the best in Europe at the moment.
STERLING- 9/10
Monaco simply could not deal with his pace and he scored one and assisted another.
AGUERO- 8.5/10
His link up play was patchy initially but he turned things around in the second half. Scored two, assisted one and should have had a penalty.
SUBSTITUTES
ZABALETA- 8/10
Replaced Fernandinho and was solid.
FERNANDO- NA/10
NAVAS- NA/10
