Manchester City defeated Red Star Belgrade 3-1 to begin their UEFA Champions League defence. It was a dominant display for Pep Guardiola’s side, despite falling behind just before half-time. Here are the Manchester City player ratings from the win.
Player Ratings:
Ederson: 6/10- A relatively comfortable night for the City keeper. Could do little about Red Star’s opener but was rarely called upon after that.
Kyle Walker: 7/10- The usual professional performance from the City captain. Unlucky to have his goal chalked off for offside.
Ruben Dias: 6/10- A quiet night at the back for Dias. Did his job as he usually does when called upon which was rare.
Nathan Ake: 7/10- Professional performance from Ake. Does his job with minimal fuss, and is always a threat at set pieces.
Sergio Gomez: 6.5/10- Featured more in attack than defence. Provided a threat outwide. Looks to have matured as a player.
Rodri: 8/10- Grabbed his traditional Champions League goal with a world-class finish. Another polished performance from the best midfielder in world football.
Bernardo Silva: 6/10- Got into some decent positions on the right wing before being substituted before half-time. Hopefully, his injury isn’t too serious.
Matheus Nunes: 7/10- A promising first start from Nunes. His dribbling ability was on display and will be a threat for Pep’s side as he grows into the club.
Phil Foden: 6/10- A similar performance to his game against West Ham. Is getting into the right positions in his new role. Looks better when the game becomes stretched.
Julian Alvarez: 9/10- A dominant display from Alvarez. Deserved his goals and is fast becoming one of City’s most important players.
Erling Haaland: 6/10- Another off night in front of goal. Grabbed an assist for City’s opener after half-time. Someone will cop a hatful from Erling with the way the chances are being created very soon.
Substitutes:
Jeremy Doku: 7/10- A constant threat to the Red Star defence when he came on before half-time. Another good display from the winger.
Manuel Akanji: 6/10- Came on as City looked to solidify their defence. Usual professional display for the final 20 minutes from Akanji.
Rico Lewis: N/A- A brief cameo from Lewis in the game’s final stages. Not on the pitch long enough to mark his performance.
Kalvin Phillips: N/A- A rare Kalvin Phillips sighting. Not on the pitch long enough to mark his performance.
Oscar Bobb: N/A- A Champions League debut for Bobb. A couple of small glimpses of his talent. Not on the pitch long enough to mark.