Manchester City rode on a classic display from David Silva as they thrashed an underconfident Crystal Palace side 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium. The Eagles looked to pack a threat occasionally but City’s solid defending didn’t give them any breathing space.
The win takes Pep Guardiola’s men above Liverpool momentarily to the 3rd place, which is a giant stride towards cementing a top-four spot with just two games remaining.
Here are the Manchester City player ratings from the game-
Willy Caballero (8/10)– Definitely the better of the two options, Guardiola had all season. It was his crucial save early in the game from a Christian Benteke header, which helped City keep their pace on the ground. They were leading 1-0 then and an equaliser would have surely had a different outcome. He was focused throughout the game.
Gael Clichy (7.5/10)- The Frenchman has been among the few defenders, who has kept their place under Guardiola’s tactics. Although the former Arsenal man has come under scrutiny for slack in defending with age, he was surely up for the task today.
Vincent Kompany (8.5/10)- The goal he scored was akin to that of a clinical striker’s. The movement and control were superb. Apart from that, he was solid at the back.
Nicolas Otamendi (8/10)- By the time he scored the goal, which was City’s fifth, the game was a dead rubber. He was solid defensively as well although Palace hardly challenged City’s back line.
Fernandinho (7/10)- Probably the only man at Guardiola’s back line, who looked out of breath. Wilfred Zaha looked too much for him to handle although he compensated for that with some offensive runs.
Yaya Toure (8/10)- Another masterful display by the ageing midfielder. It’s hard to say if City will ever find his replacement in the midfield. He was the real orchestrator of the game and directed it at will.
Raheem Sterling (8/10)- Did nothing special but got City’s fourth goal when given acres of space and an eternity to score. Was decent apart from that and gelled in well.
David Silva (9/10)- One could sit and watch his movements all day. His display was serene to the soul and soothing to the eyes. He opened with the first goal of the game and maintained the magic all game.
Kevin De Bruyne (8.5/10)- He, like Yaya Toure, was the tireless engine to the side. He scored one, assisted another and kept passing all-around the ground throughout the game. Looks to have regained his form.
Leroy Sane (8/10)- Palace found it extremely difficult to stop him. His twist and trickeries and those nutmegs! Humiliating for Palace’s defenders.
Gabriel Jesus (8/10)- His work rate is just phenomenal. In a way, he is City’s first defender. His tirelessly chasing defenders made a world of difference on the night.
