After all the off-field drama, Manchester City hosted West Ham United at the Etihad and came out victorious by two goals to nil.
The game followed an expected pattern with City dominating the proceedings. Gabriel Jesus should have opened the scoring, but he fluffed his line as he hesitated in getting his shot away. Rodri scored at the half-hour mark after he poked the ball in from close quarters from a corner.
De Bruyne added comfort to City’s lead when he scored in the 62nd minute to make it 2-0. Fabianski kept the scoreline respectable for the Hammers, but City got the job done with a professional and dominating performance after a few tough days off the pitch. West Ham had just three attempts on goal with none of them being on target.
Here is how City fared on the night.
Manchester City Players Rated In Their Win Vs West Ham United
Ederson 6
The Hammers failed to have a shot on target in the game. Assured as ever with the ball at his feet.
Kyle Walker 7
Helped his side in the attack by making good runs down the right. Wasn’t tested much defensively.
Nicolas Otamendi 6.5
Had a few tough battles with Antonio but Otamendi got the job done at the back.
Aymeric Laporte 6.5
An easy game for the Frenchman as he was hardly stretched defensively. Moved the ball well from the back.
Benjamin Mendy 7
Put in a few decent crosses but still can do better with his delivery in the box. Supported his team in attack.
Rodri 7.5
Breezed through the game and got a goal as well as he slotted the ball in from close quarters. Showed good instinct for the goal. Formed a good base of attack for his side.
David Silva 8
Played a few delightful passes to carve open the opposition’s defence. Linked up play well. Still coming up with strong performances in what is his final season.
Kevin De Bruyne 8
Played a part in both the goals for his side. Was in the thick of things in almost all the attacking moves. Even did some impressive defensive duties by tracking back well. West Ham didn’t have an answer to his sharp movement and positioning.
Bernardo Silva 7
Never allowed Masuaku any time on the ball as he pressed him well. Troubled him with his impressive dribbling skills. Linked up play well but could have been better with his final delivery.
Gabriel Jesus 4.5
Should have had a brace in the first half as he missed two great chances. Was denied by Fabianski in the second half. Looked short on confidence in front of goal. Worked hard but should have been more clinical.
Sergio Aguero 6.5
Had a few half chances which he didn’t manage to convert. Should have been awarded a penalty after Ogbonna blocked him. Stretched the game with his intelligent movement in the attacking third.
Substitutes
John Stones 5
Looked alright but didn’t have much defensive work to do as West Ham United hardly mustered any attacks.
Ilkay Gundogan N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Phil Foden N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
