Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side played out a thrilling 1-1 draw against Serie A club Atalanta at the San Siro, in a game which saw City’s substitute goalkeeper Claudio Bravo get sent off. The Citizens opened the scoring in the 7th minute through Raheem Sterling, after a spectacular sequence of play between the City attackers. They were gifted a chance to double their advantage in the 43rd minute when the referee awarded a spot-kick, but Gabriel Jesus stepped up and shanked his shot horribly wide. Ederson was subbed off at half-time, presumably due to injury, before his replacement – Claudio Bravo got sent off for a stupid challenge on an Atalanta man. The former Barcelona shot-stopper was guilty of conceding Atalanta’s equaliser as well. Kyle Walker went in goal for the final few minutes of the game, and thanks to some brilliant game management by the City players, they were able to see out the 1-1 draw. We take a look at the Man City players rated in hard-fought draw Vs Atlanta.
Man City Players Rated In Hard Fought Draw Vs Atalanta
Ederson – 6
Was untroubled for the majority of the first half and was a spectator for large parts. He was subbed off at half-time by Guardiola, presumably because he picked up a knock.
Joao Cancelo – 6.5
The former Juventus man had a strong game down the right flank, further proving to Guardiola and the City fans that he can be their first-choice right-back. He got forward on every possible occasion.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6
The Argentine put up a fairly assured display in the first half but got wholly caught out for Atalanta’s equaliser. The centre-half’s advancing age is becoming apparent to see.
Fernandinho – 6.5
Manchester City’s make-shift centre-half Fernandinho had a good game in the heart of the defence, often seen linking up play in the middle of the park. He had a free role in the first half.
Benjamin Mendy – 6
Offered a lot less quality than Joao Cancelo going forward, as he lost the ball on multiple occasions. The Frenchman picked up a needless yellow card in the second half as well.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5
The Belgian wasn’t at his best in the middle of the park today but still managed to make some strong and direct runs into the box. Will have to be on full flow against Liverpool on the weekend.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5
The German international is rapidly developing into one of Pep Guardiola’s most important players. His link-up play and general forward movement have been excellent all campaign.
Bernardo Silva – 7
The Portuguese sensation was at the heart of everything good that this City team produced in an attacking sense. Operated out of a more central role than his usual spot on the flank.
Riyad Mahrez – 7
The Algerian had one of his more productive games against Atalanta, although he wasn’t able to influence the scoreline. He was subbed off to make space for Kyle Walker late on.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
The Brazilian prodigy was incredibly selfish on multiple occasions on the night, when he took the shot on, despite having better-positioned teammates. Missed a penalty and a chance to develop a two goal cushion.
Raheem Sterling – 8
The English speedster has become one of the hottest properties in world football today, and during a half-hour spell in the first half, he showed the world just why, yet again. Did well to take his goal as well.
Substitutes
Claudio Bravo – 2
Although he came on and made a couple of important sweeping clearances, one mistimed dash ended up in an embarrassing red card for the Chilean.
Sergio Aguero – 6
Although he was thrown on to get the winner, Guardiola’s priorities changed in the final minutes, meaning that he didn’t really get a clear-cut opening.
Kyle Walker – NA
Played in goal for the final ten minutes or so. Had nothing to do except make a couple of routine catches.
