Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City fought back from being down 2-nil at half-time to beat RB Leipzig 3-2 at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola made four changes to the starting lineup as City sought to return to winning ways after consecutive draws in the Premier League.
The game was a tale of two halves as the visitors took it up to the European champions. A brace from Lois Openda gave Leipzig a 2-nil lead before City fought back. Goals from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez saw City clinch top spot of G to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage as group winners.
City player ratings:
Stefan Ortega-6/10: Could do little about either of Openda’s goals. Was calm in possession and made one good save in the second half from a Benjamin Sesko strike. Is always dependable when picked.
Kyle Walker- 5/10: An off night for City’s captain. His defensive positioning exposed City to the counter which RB Leipzig exploited to perfection twice.
Manuel Akanji- 5.5/10: Gifted RB Leipzig their opener with a terrible error. His performance was in the mould of his side where he was panicked in the first half but back to his usual self in the second.
Ruben Dias-4/10: Dias was all over the place in the first half. He was fortunate to stay on the pitch just before half-time with a foul on Xavi Simons while on a yellow. Substituted at half-time. His form is becoming a concern.
Josko Gvardiol-6/10: Good in possession and set up Foden’s equaliser with a pinpoint pass. Was beaten by Openda for Leipzig’s second but like his team was much better in the second half than the first.
Rodri-6.5/10: Another who was below his best in the first half but rose to the occasion in the second. He still makes City tick and his importance to Pep Guardiola’s side was on show again.
Rico Lewis- 6.5/10: A busy performance from Lewis. Was all over midfield and his runs created space for his teammates.
Bernardo Silva- 7.5/10: Played on the right wing and was his usual energetic self. Is on a par with Rodri as one of Pep Guardiola’s most important players.
Phil Foden- 8.5/10: Scored and provided an assist in a superb display. Bounced back from a quiet showing against Liverpool to return to his best. Thrived in central midfield.
Jack Grealish-5/10: Couldn’t get into the game. Received the ball in some dangerous positions but was either crowded out or played the ball back too often.
Erling Haaland- 8/10: Scored one and could’ve added more in the first half. Was a constant threat over the 90 minutes and his tracking back was a highlight. Is fast approaching the top of his game.
Substitutes:
Nathan Ake- 7.5/10: Brought on half-time to replace Ruben Dias. He instantly calmed down the City defence and was rarely beaten.
Jeremy Doku-7/10: Came on for Jack Grealish and immediately made his presence felt. Was a constant threat to the RB Leipzig defence.
Julian Alvarez-8/10: Came on at the same time as Jeremy Doku as City chased the game. Scored the winner and looked closer to his best after a couple of down games.
Sergio Gomez- N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
