Manchester City’s 2-1 victory at the Etihad against Liverpool reduced the deficit to 4 points at the top of the Premier League standings. The Citizens, however, had to secure all three points this afternoon from the fixture versus the bottom-placed Huddersfield Town and faced little trouble in doing so even though they were below-par in the first half compared to their own standards. But they uplifted their display after the break and secured a dominating 3-0 win at John Smith’s Stadium.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their comprehensive win against Huddersfield Town.
Ederson: 7
Made a routine save in the first half and was not troubled throughout due to the lack of attacking intent from the Terriers. A comfortable clean sheet for the Brazilian.
Kyle Walker: 6.5
Was rusty while tackling, and could have done better defensively at times. Had a much better display in the second half and linked up well with Raheem Sterling from the right-hand flank.
Nicolas Otamendi: 7.5
The Argentine was strong at the back with timely blocks, tackles and interceptions. Did not lose a single duel in the game and never allowed the hosts to threaten from inside the box.
Aymeric Laporte: 7
Did well to partner Otamendi in the heart of the City defence. Played the ball out from the back to build up moves banking on his exquisite passing attribute.
Danilo: 7.5
The Brazilian opened the scoring from a bizarre attempt when his strike from a distance took a wicked deflection off Christopher Schindler leaving Jonas Lossl little to offer in Huddersfield goal.
Fernandinho: 7
Lost a few duels and misplaced a few passes, but the Brazilian kept on snatching possession back in the middle of the park and never let the Terriers dominate the midfield game. Was untidy with some of his tackles and got replaced by David Silva around the hour mark.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7
Dribbled past the Terriers midfield a couple of times. Created a few chances with his vision, passing range and box-to-box movements. Was taken off with ten minutes remaining to be replaced by Fabian Delph.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.5
Was not at his best in the first half despite some defence-splitting through balls. Uplifted his game after the break as the Belgian kept on troubling the home side with his stunning long balls and link-up football.
Raheem Sterling: 8
Was denied a spot-kick early in the first half despite being fouled by Terence Kongolo inside the box. But he found the net with a diving header minutes after the break after picking up Leroy Sane’s cross. The Germany international, however, looked marginally offside while setting it up for the Three Lions sensation.
Leroy Sane: 8.5
Scored one to make it 3-0 and also assisted Sterling with a cross from the left after picking up De Bruyne’s ambitious pass. Made his way for Bernardo Silva midway through the second half.
Sergio Aguero: 7
Did not find the net but laid it on for Sane who did exceptionally well to put the game to bed. Could not manage to test Lossl though as his only effort was off target.
Substitutes
David Silva: 6.5
Enjoyed his minutes with a calm and composed display from the center of the pitch. Dictated the flow from the midfield and also created chances upfront for the attackers with his strong vision and dribbling skills.
Bernardo Silva: 6.5
Looked lively in the attacking third and saw his attempt on target stopped by Lossl.
Fabian Delph: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
