Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, has been unstoppable so far in this campaign as they are yet to lose a game in all competitions and were top of the Premier League table with 9 wins (and 1 draw against Everton) from 10 outings and looking to stretch the gap with second-placed Manchester United securing a victory against Arsenal at Etihad Stadium. Arsenal, on the other hand, revived their campaign despite a disappointing start and Arsene Wenger, the veteran Gunners boss, was hoping for a favourable outcome against Pep’s unstoppable force.
The game, however, proved to be an entertaining encounter and City, as expected, clinched a 3-1 win at Etihad.
Below are the Manchester City players rated from their 3-1 against the Gunners.
Manchester City Players Rated And Slated
Ederson Moraes: 6.5
The Brazilian custodian made a smart stop in closing minutes of the first-half but almost conceded one as he fumbled while grabbing Iwobi’s effort from distance. Although he managed to hold it somehow, Ederson could have done little to deny Alexandre Lacazette from scoring the Gunners’ goal.
Kyle Walker: 7
Walker had a decent outing as he defended well and combined up front with fellow attackers using his pace while going forward.
John Stones: 8
The young Englishman is in great form and was always in the right place at the right time while defending and did well to contain Alexis Sanches throughout the game.
Nicolas Otamendi:7
Otamendi was solid, had physical dominance but could have done better to close down Lacazette when he scored minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Fabian Delph: 7
Although he should not have allowed space on the left-hand side of City backline which was eventually capitalized by the Gunners’ by scoring a second-half goal, the Englishman once again impressed in a makeshift left-back role as he didn’t allow Bellerin to run forward and create space in the hosts’ defence.
Fernandinho: 8
The Brazilian worked tirelessly in the middle of the park, won back possession repeatedly and never allowed Arsenal to take control of the midfield. Played a smart one-two with Kevin De Bruyne when the later broke the deadlock in early minutes of the game. Contributed in City’s third of the evening as well, which, however, should have been ruled out for being offside
David Silva: 7.5
Silva once again ran tirelessly throughout the game and created enough goal-bound opportunities for fellow attackers. Assisted City’s third of the afternoon which, however, should have been disallowed as he was in an offside position while setting it up for Jesus.
Raheem Sterling: 6.5
Sterling had a disappointing afternoon as he missed simplest of opportunities to score and set up goals during the game. Did well to earn the spot-kick though as he got better of Kolasinac using his speed and was eventually brought down by Nacho Monreal. Was taken off and replaced by Ilkay Gundogan late in the second half.
Kevin De Bruyne: 9
Sane had his moments down the left-hand flank and his pace and tricky runs did not allow Bellerin to run forward and help his attackers. Was taken off late in the game and replaced by Bernardo Silva.
Leroy Sane: 6.5
Sane had his moments down the left-hand flank and his pace and tricky runs did not allow Bellerin to run forward and help his attackers. Was taken off late in the game and replaced by Bernardo Silva.
Sergio Aguero: 7.5
Aguero did well to keep the Arsenal defence on toes with his movements and marked his name on the scoresheet after slotting home the spot-kick earned by Raheem Sterling. Was taken off and replaced by Gabriel Jesus in the second half amidst the rousing round of applauds from the supporters.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus: 7
Came in place of Sergio Aguero. Scored City’s third and final goal of the afternoon which, however, should have been ruled out for being offside. Was denied spectacularly by Petr Cech minutes before his goal.
Ilkay Gundogan: 6
Gundogan played some decent passes and held the ball well in midfield since coming on in place of Sterling.
Bernardo Silva: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
