Manchester City showcased their dominance once again on the night by dismantling Serie A outfit Atalanta by a 5-1 scoreline. Although the Italians took the lead early on through a Ruskin Malinovskyi penalty, they were pegged back extremely quickly by Manchester City, with Sergio Aguero scoring twice in the space of four minutes. Despite this setback, the Italians kept pushing for an equaliser.
In the 2nd half though, the English champions came out looking like a team on a mission. Three goals in the space of eleven minutes from Raheem Sterling took the scoreline to a rather audacious 5-1. The only blemish for Pep Guardiola was that young midfielder Phil Foden was sent off for picking up two yellow cards.
Here are the Manchester City player ratings from an excellent display:
Ederson – 7
Helpless with the penalty but did well to keep out the Atalanta threat in the first half. Wasn’t troubled quite as much in the second because City began to assert their superiority.
Kyle Walker – 6
Didn’t look defensively sound in the right-back position for City tonight but managed to make some marauding runs forward. Had it a lot easier in the 2nd half once the Sky Blues took control.
Rodri – 6
The youngster, who was utilised at centre-half on the weekend, was required to play the same role again tonight. Came off injured in the first half to replaced by English centre-half John Stones
Fernandinho – 5
The Brazilian started the game at centre-half and later moved into the central midfield role. Performed his usual defensive duties but was guilty of giving away the Atalanta penalty.
Benjamin Mendy – 7
The full-back linked up exceptionally well with Raheem Sterling on the left and was vital in a lot of their attacks. He was brought off, presumably to give new signing Joao Cancelo some much-needed game time.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7
Ran the midfield in the 2nd half with his usual panache and kept the Manchester City attack ticking. His passing range never ceases to amaze, but he didn’t have the most influential game going forward.
Ilkay Gundogan – 8
The German was very much City’s commander in midfield tonight and his pass to Raheem Sterling for his second was a moment to marvel. Was partly responsible for all the good things that Pep Guardiola’s men created tonight.
Phil Foden – 8
The youngster was having an extraordinary match until his night was brought to a rather unfortunate halt. Issued two ridiculous yellow cards, and he was sent off with less than 10 minutes to spare. Despite, all that we still think he deserves this 8 rating.
Riyad Mahrez – 7
The speedster floated in and out of the game at times but was decisive in possession and spectacular on the ball. His bursts of pace are a fun sight while his assists for Sterling’s hat-trick were a real peach.
Sergio Aguero – 7
The Argentine talisman didn’t actually put up the best showing tonight, losing the ball on multiple occasions. Despite this, he stepped up with two goals when it mattered and restored Manchester City’s deserved lead.
Raheem Sterling – 9
Very much the man of the moment, the Englishman was in devastating form as he ripped the Atalanta defence at will. They didn’t seem to know how to deal with his sheer pace, and he’s now proven once again, that he can finish just as well as anybody.
Substitutes
John Stones – 7
Added a certain edge to the City defence that they seemed to be lacking in the first half. The difference in having a natural on the pitch was more than clear to see.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6
Didn’t have the time to showcase his self-destructive tendencies tonight.
Joao Cancelo – 7
Came on and showed himself in a good light but didn’t have the time to express himself.
