Manchester City took on Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine having already qualified to the knockout stages of UEFA Champions League as Group F winners. The match was a ‘dead-rubber’ for the Citizens as Pep Guardiola made a whole host of changes to his side keeping one eye on the Manchester derby coming up in the weekend. The big news with regards to selection was the first start for Under-17 World Cup winner, Phil Foden in City’s midfield.
The club from Ukraine began the match well and were dominant all throughout the first half. To most people’ surprise, they went into half-time 2-0 up courtesy of goals from Bernard and Ismaily. The Blues of Manchester tried to come back in the second half and got a consolation goal from the penalty spot when Sergio Aguero came on to execute the spot kick.
It is the first defeat that Manchester City has suffered this season. The result ends the Blues’ 28 match unbeaten streak but more importantly, ensures that Shakhtar Donetsk qualifies for the next phase of the competition. Pep Guardiola would be hoping that his team can bounce right back against Manchester United on Sunday.
Let’s take a look at how each Manchester City fared on the night.
GK: Ederson – 5/10
The Brazilian failed to keep a clean sheet and was at fault for Ismailly’s goal when he was caught outside the box.
RB: Danilo – 3/10
The full-back had a horror show in the first half and struggled to keep up with the pace and creativity of Bernard.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo – 5/10
The 20-year-old struggled to cope up with the Shakhtar attack and was not helped by Danilo’s nightmare showing. However, he looked more assured in a back four.
CB: Eliaquim Mangala – 4/10
The centre-back had a night to forget and was caught napping at times during the match.
LB: Phil Foden – 6/10
The youngest player to start a Champions League game, the defender worked his socks off and put in a good shift as a wingback.
CM: Fernandinho – 5/10
The Brazilian midfielder tried to organise the defence but was blown away by the lightning-fast counter-attacks of Shakhtar.
CM: Yaya Toure – 6/10
The Ivorian was overrun in the midfield when Shakhtar attacked. He tried to pull some strings but was left frustrated by the lack of movement up front.
RM: Bernardo Silva – 4/10
He was ineffective and had an uneventful game as part of Manchester City’s front three.
LM: Leroy Sane – 5/10
The winger didn’t look at his best in the first half but tried to come back strong after the break. He was rested later on to keep him fresh for the upcoming Manchester derby on Sunday.
CAM: İlkay Gündoğan – 5/10
He failed to affect the game in the first half but put on a better display after the break.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – 5/10
The Brazilian has struggled recently with his form and it showed on the pitch. He won a penalty late on but did not have a great night overall.
Substitutes
LM: Brahim Díaz – 5/10
The 20-year-old came on and added some pace in the City attack.
ST: Sergio Aguero – 6/10
The Argentine came on from the bench to convert a late penalty and looked a goal threat.
