Despite being down to ten men, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City came back from behind to snatch a point against Everton in the last matchweek. Their Saturday afternoon fixture was a tricky away trip to Bournemouth who had an impressive home run last term and secured a top half league finish. The Cherries started the game brightly and were ahead courtesy of Charlie Daniels’ screamer. But Gabriel Jesus equalized a few minutes later and it was Raheem Sterling who scored late into the stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory before being sent off by referee Mike Dean.
Below are the Manchester City players rated from the fixture.
Ederson: 6.5
The Brazilian had no chance to stop Charlie Daniels’ screamer but did well to deny Jermain Defoe’s first-time volley a few minutes later. Was lucky not to concede again as Joshua King’s strike hit the post.
Danilo: 7.5
The Brazilian was excellent going forward and impressed with his crossing, passing and link up play. Did exceptionally well to find Sterling inside the middle of the Bournemouth box whose deflected strike sealed the deal for the visitors.
Vincent Kompany: 7
The skipper was occasionally troubled by Josh King and was shown a yellow. But he led his back-line and did well with his passing, aerial presence and clearances.
Nicolas Otamendi: 7.5
The Argentine made his physical presence felt. His tackling was clumsy and was booked as well. But he did well to contain Defoe, worked hard and posed a threat from set-pieces. Was unlucky to hit the woodwork from a City corner.
Benjamin Mendy: 7
Was great going forward and whipped in lots of crosses from the left-hand flank. Impressed with his passing and intercepting skills, however, the young Frenchman was dispossessed a few times and must concentrate more on defensive responsibilities.
Fernandinho: 7.5
The Brazilian combated in the midfield, screened his defence, made a few crucial blocks, tackles and clearances. Tried to help out the attackers with his accurate long balls and tireless down the middle runs.
David Silva: 8.5
The Spaniard was excellent once again, worked his socks off and was spot on to pick out Jesus who scored the equalizer within ten minutes of conceding. Was taken off in closing seconds to be replaced by John Stones.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.5
Another consistent display by the Belgian who kept on changing flanks, linking up with fellow attackers and tried to find them out with his admirable vision and range of passing.
Bernando Silva: 6
The Portuguese international showed glimpses of his quality as he started the game on the right-hand flank. Made a few impressive runs but needs time to settle in his new surroundings and work on his decision making. Was taken off to be replaced by Sergio Aguero.
Gabriel Jesus: 8
Missed a few chances but scored the important equalizer after picking up David Silva’s pass. Although he should have been closed down by Nathan Ake, the Brazilian did well to keep his composure and unleash a strike that went straight into the back of the net. Was replaced by Leroy Sane in the closing minutes.
Raheem Sterling: 6.5
Manchester City’s match-winner was having a quiet afternoon as he was struggling with his shooting and link up play. But his deflected strike secured three crucial points late into the stoppage time before being sent off as he was shown a second yellow for celebrating with the travelling fans.
Substitutes
Sergio Aguero: 6
Was brought in to find the winning goal for his side. The Argentine hitman, however, tested the Bournemouth custodian once, but it was a routine stop for Asmir Begovic and Aguero failed to create any noteworthy contribution.
Leroy Sane: 6
Impressed with his footwork and dribbling skills.
John Stones: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
