Manchester City have been in great form lately following a mini-slump in the middle of the campaign. However, Pep Guardiola’s men travelled to Stadium of Light this evening to face bottom-placed Sunderland who are expected to be demoted to Championship at the end of the season. David Moyes was hoping for a reaction from his boys but left the field with absolutely nothing as his side suffered a 0-2 home defeat against Manchester City.
Below are the Manchester City player ratings from the game.
Willy Caballero: 8
Claudio Bravo’s disastrous form forced Pep to drop him and play Caballero instead. The Argentine custodian has grabbed the opportunity by bringing in much-needed consistency. Was lucky when Jermain Defoe’s strike beat him but came off the post. Made a decent save to stop Billy Jones’ header from a corner. He diverted Seb Larsson’s second half effort with his feet and saved the resulting corner to stop them getting back into the game. A well-deserved clean sheet for the veteran.
Bacary Sagna: 7
The Frenchman had a decent game and helped his defence during the first half when the home side were in control and operating through the wings. City were in charge since Aguero’s opener and Sagna made a number of overlapping runs during the second-half and whipped in crosses for his attackers.
John Stones: 7.5
The highly-rated Englishman has been criticised for his blunders. However, the youngster showed massive improvement in recent weeks and it was no different against Sunderland as he delivered another solid performance. He kept his head cool, was well positioned and made crucial blocks and interceptions to resist the likes of Defoe, Borini and Januzaj and earned a clean-sheet.
Aleksandar Kolarov: 7
Kolarov had another decent outing in an unusual role and partnered well with Stones throughout the game.
Gael Clichy: 7
Clichy focused on his defensive duties more than forward runs and helped his back-line to keep things under control.
Fernandinho: 8
The Brazilian worked tirelessly and did well in a combative role. Screened his defence masterly whenever Sunderland were pushing for a goal. Contributed in attacking movements as well and broke down a number of counter attacks in midfield.
Yaya Toure: 7
The Ivorian midfielder did well in a box to box role. His trademark runs through the defence caused enough trouble for Black Cats; also tracked back when Sunderland were on the counter.
David Silva: 8
The Spaniard had an excellent outing as he constituted a number of attacks and switched the game in both flanks for the pacy wingers.
Leroy Sane: 8
The German youngster impressed with his pace, dribbling and direct runs. Scored a spectacular left-footed strike that went in off the post. Was replaced by Fabian Delph minutes before the final whistle.
Raheem Sterling: 7
The Englishman was impressive once more as he kept the Black Cats defence on toes with his pace and dribbling. Assisted Ageuro to break the deadlock minutes before the half time whistle. Was replaced by Nolito late into the game.
Sergio Aguero: 8
The Argentine is back to his very best as he broke the deadlock with a deft touch to beat Pickford. He could have grabbed his second around 87th minute of the game but the Black Cats custodian palmed away his effort brilliantly.
Substitutes
Kevin De Bruyne: 6
Came on in place of Yaya Toure. Switched the flanks, linked up well with his attackers but failed to create anything out of it.
Nolito: NA
Was a late inclusion in place of impressive Sane. Did too little to warrant a rating.
Fabian Delph: NA
Did too little to warrant a rating.
