Pep Guardiola could only watch from the stands as Manchester City fell to their first defeat of the season this week. French giants Lyon managed to steal all three points from their trip to Etihad in the group stages of the Champions League, as first-half goals from Maxwel Cornet and Nabil Fekir pushed them onto the back foot early in the game.
Bernardo Silva pulled one back with just over 20 minutes to spare, but that was not enough for City to take anything form this game. They did have a couple of half chances, and a few penalty shouts turned down, but the visitors carved City’s defence far too often and deserved the result. Here are the player ratings for Pep’s men in this demoralising loss.
Ederson (6):
Prevented a third goal late in the game but was lucky not to be called out for his foul outside the box. Could not have done much to save either Lyon goal.
Kyle Walker (5):
Wasted the space he got on the flank and was also not his usual best at the back, struggling against the likes of Fekir.
John Stones (6):
Made a few crucial tackles and clearances but had a below-par first half, that did the damage for the home side.
Aymeric Laporte (5):
Was too eager to make tackles, only a few of which he won. Did look comfortable in possession but was troubled with the direct approach from Bruno Genesio’s men.
Fabian Delph (4):
The weak link at the back for City, Delph was at fault for Cornet’s goal and was also all over the place against the 21-year old, leaving his backline exposed on one flank.
Fernandinho (5):
Was quick to win the ball back in the midfield but was caught out of possession in the build-up to Fekir’s goal. Also did very little to help the progressive play for the hosts.
Ilkay Gundogan (4):
Added a passing option when needed but was far too wasteful in possession, inviting pressure onto his side.
David Silva (5):
Lacked the spark that usually sets up City’s victories from the midfield. A few good passes were all he could produce on a tough night.
Bernardo Silva (6.5):
Was slow to start off but was one of the brightest players for City in the second half. Deserved his goal but could have done a lot more with the space he had in the final third.
Gabriel Jesus (4):
Picked the wrong option on more than one occasion and failed to finish the half-chances that fell to him in both halves.
Raheem Sterling (5):
Had a few impressive moments while City were struggling at the other end but lacked the end product, that saw him being subbed off.
Subs:
Leroy Sane (6):
Added the pace that City were lacking but did not do enough to win his side the game.
Sergio Aguero (5):
Was not given enough service to turn the game around.
Riyad Mahrez (5):
A couple of good crosses late in the game was all he could produce.
