Manchester City earned all three points with a hard-fought and crucial win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. With another win, the Citizens remain level on points with Liverpool with 27 from their 12 games and on course for their title charge. In a game where they were put under some serious pressure, Pep Guardiola’s side managed to show their quality with Yaya Toure, making his first start in the Premier League this season bagged a brace to see his team get the better of their opponents by a 2-1 scoreline. Let’s see how the City player’s performed in the tie on a scale of 10.
Bravo (5.5/10)
Was flat-footed when Wickham scored the equaliser but did manage to make an important save from point blank range denying Benteke.
Sagna (7/10)
The right back was dependable defensively and managed to keep the dangerous Townsend very quiet but the Frenchman didn’t do a lot in the forward areas. Held the back line extremely well after Kompany went off. Performed better as a CB.
Kompany (5/10)
Nothing is going the way of the defender at the moment it seems with the Belgian suffering a head injury after a collision with his own goalkeeper. Had to leave the field in the first half itself.
Otamendi (7/10)
The Argentine put in an impressive performance showing his athleticism in his defending. Was really decisive in his tackling. Did everything possible to keep it tight at the back.
Kolarov (5.5/10)
Linked well with the midfield in his overlaps but his deliveries were below par. Defensively was given a hard time by Wilfred Zaha.
Fernandinho (8/10)
A perfect all round performance from the Brazilian who has been very impressive under Guardiola. Passed the ball very well distributing it masterfully to all parts and defensively he was excellent with his terrific interceptions and positioning.
Yaya Toure (9/10)
One of the biggest comebacks of his career so far. This game highlighted his quality with his pinpoint distribution and his brilliant impact in front of the goal which proved to be the difference against Palace.
Sterling (6.5/10)
The Englishman used his pace well in the channels and impressed with his work rate but looked a bit laboured. He needs some rest.
De Bruyne (7/10)
Palace managed to nullify him for most parts but he still looked threatening with his deliveries and provided a piece of quality at the end which won his team the game as it was his assist that led to the winner.
Nolito (6.5/10)
Did provide the assist for the opening goal but lacked a bit of consistency in his forward play. Remained isolated for large parts of the game.
Aguero (5/10)
A rare poor performance from the striker in a City shirt as he struggled to make any sort of impact up front and was rightly substituted.
Substitutes
Zabaleta (6/10)
Replaced Kompany in the 37th minute slotting at the back but struggled against pace and was beaten by Wickham to score the equaliser.
Silva (6/10)
Replaced Nolito and provided some urgency and freshness into the attack.
Fernando (N/A)
