Here are the Manchester City player ratings as the champions had to fight their way to a 1-nil win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. A 24-minute strike from Phil Foden was enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to pick up a precious three points to move within one point of league leaders Liverpool.
It was a tale of two halves as City dominated the first half and should have put the game to bed by halftime. Bournemouth to their credit took the game to the world champions in the second half which made for an enthralling contest. Andoni Iraola’s side was determined to take the game to Manchester City and almost got their reward in the second half as they had the champions on the back foot for large portions of the second half.
Heroics from Ederson in goal and some wasteful finishing from the hosts maintained City’s clean sheet as Pep Guardiola’s side left the Vitality Stadium with a crucial victory.
But at this point of the season all that matters is the result as the champions showed midweek against Brentford. Two precious 1-nil wins for Manchester City have kept pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s side as the title race begins to heat up.
City player ratings
Ederson-9/10: Made several key saves and was superb with his feet. An outstanding display from the Brazilian shot-stopper and one that showed why he is one of if not the best keeper in world football.
Manuel Akanji-8/10: Another superb performance from Akanji. Lined up at right back and was rarely beaten. His versatility is key to Pep Guardiola’s side and he put in another polished display at the Vitality Stadium.
John Stones-8/10: The champions are a better team with Stones firing. He plays arguably the most difficult role in the City system and he was all over the pitch in a dominant performance.
Ruben Dias-7/10: Did his job at the back and was an imposing presence in defence. Looks back to his best for the most crucial part of the season.
Nathan Ake-7.5/10: Yet another quality showing from Ake. Does his job with minimal fuss and was rarely beaten at left back.
Rodri-8/10: Yet another polished performance from Rodri. He was superb again and is his team’s most important player. City would be lost without him.
Matheus Nunes-6/10: Toiled away on the left wing and his effort couldn’t be faulted. Did however give away possession on occasions and his final delivery was lacking on occasions.
Mateo Kovacic-7/10: Made several surging runs from midfield, particularly in the first half. Was also cool in possession when required in his return to the starting lineup.
Bernardo Silva-6/10: Worked hard again but was just below his best. Did what was needed for his team without being a standout.
Phil Foden-9/10: Scored the winner and was easily his team’s best player at the Vitality Stadium. He showed his future lies in midfield with a superb performance.
Erling Haaland-7.5/10: He was a constant threat up front and his hold-up play was superb. Not his day in front of goal but his all-round play showed how much his game is developing. City did lack his presence when he was substituted late in the second half.
Substitutes
Jeremy Doku-4/10: Came on for the final half hour and wasn’t at his best. Gave away possession too easily and couldn’t beat his man out wide on the left. He has a lot to learn but he is young.
Julian Alvarez-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
Kevin De Bruyne-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
