Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City created history with a resounding 4-nil win over Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup final. They become the first English side to hold the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup following the win. It caps off a marvellous 2023 for the club with 5 trophies in the cabinet in a historic year.
Pep Guardiola made three changes to the starting lineup from the semi-final win over Urawa Red Diamonds. In came Ruben Dias, Julian Alvarez and Rico Lewis for Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Manual Akanji.
The European champions made a flying start to the final taking the lead inside the first minute. A Nathan Ake rocket thundered back in off the post and Julian Alvarez reacted quickest to tap in to give City a flying start. After City’s flying start, Fluminense played some lovely football and maintained possession well as they sought an equaliser.
City got back on top of the game and doubled their lead in the 27th minute. A lovely ball from Rodri played in Phil Foden and his cross was turned into his own net by Fluminense captain Nino. The goal took the sting out of the Brazilian side. Pep Guardiola’s side went in at half-time with a 2-nil lead.
The second half got underway with Manchester City looking to seal the victory. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the second half and the only shock was it took until the 71st minute to put the game to bed. Julian Alvarez played in a sumptuous cross and Phil Foden was on hand to tap in City’s third. There was time for the treble winners to add a fourth in the 88th minute after a quality finish from Julian Alvarez.
Pep Guardiola’s sides victory capped a memorable 2023 for Manchester City. The hope will be that it will inspire the European champions to kick on in the second half of the season. Here are the City player ratings from memorable night.
City player ratings
Ederson-7/10: One crucial save before half-time and made another in the second half. A great performance from Ederson.
Kyle Walker-7/10: Wasn’t tested but when he was required he did his job well. One of Walker’s better performances for some time.
John Stones-7.5/10: A quality showing from Stones. Was all over the pitch and calm at the back. He brings out the best in Ruben Dias when he’s on the pitch.
Ruben Dias-7/10: Looked a lot better than he has of late. Doesn’t appear to be a coincidence with Stones back in the lineup Dias looked back to his usual self. A promising performance from Dias for what comes for the second half of the season.
Nathan Ake-7.5/10: As usual Ake was cool and composed at the back. It was his shot that hit the post for Alvarez to tap in. Two great performances in Saudi Arabia for the defender.
Rodri-7.5/10: Another superb performance from Rodri. Marshalled the midfield in a dominant display. Copped a shocking tackle before being substituted with an apparent knee injury.
Rico Lewis-6/10: Made a few nice runs and kept possession well. Did what was required for his team before being substituted.
Bernardo Silva-7/10: Toiled away out wide on the right wing. Always a threat and a key piece of the City set-up.
Jack Grealish-7.5/10: A great performance from Grealish. Got under the nose of the Fluminense defenders and was a constant threat.
Phil Foden-8/10: A man-of-the-match performance from Foden. Scored City’s third and it was his ball that was diverted in for the second. A dominant display from Foden.
Julian Alvarez-8/10: Bagged a brace and provided the third for Foden. It did feel like it was a performance Alvarez needed to kick on in the second half of the season.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic-7/10: Put in a very good performance after coming on a substitute. His drive from midfield was superb as he looks back to full fitness.
Manuel Akanji-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
Josko Gvardiol-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
Matheus Nunes- N/A: Not on long enough to mark but did provide an assist for City’s fourth.
Oscar Bobb-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
