Player Ratings

GK: Ederson - 5/10 - The Brazilian's mis-hit pass gifted Copenhagen a route back into the match. Untested for the remainder of the game.

RB: Kyle Walker - 7/10 - Seldom had to use his explosive pace to cover defensively and offered some good attacking threat down the right.

CB: John Stones - 7/10 - Spent the majority of the game in midfield, stepping forward when his side were in possession. Neat and tidy in central areas.

CB: Ruben Dias - 7/10 - Rarely called upon, especially after Andreas Cornelius was introduced from the bench.

LB: Nathan Ake - 8/10 - The Dutchman did everything he needed to do in what was a quiet game for Man City defensively. Produced one excellent headed clearance to deny Cornelius at the far post.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne - 9/10 - Produced a wonderful finish to put Man City ahead, while also forcing his side's second through some determined pressing. An effortless display from the influential midfielder, who grabbed a late assist to put the tie beyond doubt.

CM: Rodri - 7/10 - Hoovered up possession in midfield and kept Man City ticking along nicely.

CM: Bernardo Silva - 8/10 - A deft finish restored Man City's lead heading into the break, with the Portugal international regularly interchanging with Foden on the right wing. Picked up some useful spaces in opposition territory.

RW: Phil Foden - 9/10 - Threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to De Bruyne for Man City's opener and was involved in his side's best moments. Netted a wonderful late third and produced one volleyed backheel pass that was worth the admission fee alone.

ST: Erling Haaland - 6/10 - A quiet evening for the Norwegian, who was rarely involved in the final third. Couldn't get his name on the scoresheet despite two good opportunities late in the game.

LW: Jack Grealish - 6/10 - Substituted after just 21 minutes due to injury. Visibly dejected when departing the pitch after being handed an increasingly rare start.


Substitutes

SUB: Jeremy Doku - 6/10 - An unconvincing performance after coming on for Grealish, with the Belgian's speed and trickery never causing Copenhagen too many issues.

SUB: Matheus Nunez - 6/10

Player Ratings

Ederson-4/10: His misplaced pass led to FC Copenhagen’s equaliser. Ederson wasn’t called into action often but his error did prove a costly one. Fortunately, his teammates made sure his error didn’t prove too costly on the night.

Kyle Walker-7/10: Continued his recent good form. Wasn’t beaten defensively and took more care when in possession. A good display from the City captain.

John Stones-7.5/10: Played in his hybrid role rotating between defence and midfield. Was a key player in City’s domination of possession and did his job at the back.

Ruben Dias-7.5/10: Is now well and truly back to the defender he has been during his time at City and put in another quality performance. His poor run of form earlier in the season now appears to be a distant memory.

Nathan Ake-7/10: As always did his job with minimal fuss. A typical Nathan Ake performance.

Rodri-7/10: Did his job in midfield like always. Was outshone by some of his teammates but still did a crucial job for his team.

Kevin De Bruyne-9/10: Another man-of-the-match display from De Bruyne. Scored his team’s opener and dictated the game. Picked up another assist for Foden’s late goal. Superb all display from De Bruyne.

Bernardo Silva-8.5/10: A quality performance from Bernardo. He was all over the pitch and scored with a quality finish to give City a 2-1 lead. Was on the end of a crunching challenge before being substituted.

Phil Foden-8.5/10: Continued his fine form this season with another quality showing. Oozed class whenever he was on the ball and took his chance well for City’s third.

Jack Grealish-6/10: Taken off after 20 minutes with an apparent groin injury. A real shame for the England international as he began the game well.

Erling Haaland-6/10: It wasn’t a bad night for Haaland but it just wasn’t his night though he did toil away. He saw two late chances saved but to his credit, his work rate and body language never dropped.


Substitutes

Jeremy Doku-6.5/10: Threatened on occasions when he came on for Grealish. Doku did display his ability to help City maintain possession which is a good sign of his evolution as a player.

Matheus Nunes-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 5
Uncharacteristic mistake for Copenhagen’s goal, gifting away possession. Didn’t have much to do either side of that.

Kyle Walker – 7
Elias Achouri is the Copenhagen danger man but was barely given a sniff by City’s captain.

John Stones – 7.5
Back home in central midfield in possession and classily eased his way through the game.

Ruben Dias – 7
Viktor Claesson was not always easy to pick up in the false nine role but Dias got his basics right.

Nathan Ake – 6.5
Not the best night when on the ball, although defended well with one notably strong header to avert danger.

Rodri – 8
Just there, in the way, at all times. Copenhagen weren’t allowed to break from midfield that often and it was down to him.

Phil Foden – 8.5
Best player on the park once again. Keeps going through the gears. Industrious in his running as well as quality around the box. Deserved his goal.

Bernardo Silva – 7.5
Brilliant dinked finish to put City back in front. Operated in a number of different positions. Slowed the game down when required.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8
The comeback continues to amaze. Another goal, a super passed strike, and he’s looking as menacing as ever at the moment.

Jack Grealish - 6
Forced off with an injury early doors after showing some nice touches as City dominated the opening exchanges.

Erling Haaland – 6.5
Struggled to really get into the game yet then impacted it heavily when involved. A couple of big late chances.

Substitutes

Jeremy Doku - 6
Showed flashes, forced Kamil Grabara into one decent save.

Matheus Nunes - N/A

Pep Guardiola appears likely to sign a new 12-month contract extension with Manchester City, a new report has revealed in recent days.

“Josko (Gvardiol will be out for) two weeks or three weeks,” Guardiola told the media. “He has (a problem with a ligament) in his ankle.”

A period of three weeks out for Josko Gvardiol would mean he would miss Premier League matches against Chelsea (H), Brentford (H), Bournemouth (A), and Manchester United (H), as well as an FA Cup fifth round tie at Luton Town.

Manchester City midfield star Bernardo Silva sustained a “big knock” to his ankle during the 1-3 win away to Copenhagen on Tuesday night.

Jack Grealish has sustained an injury that "looks muscular," says Pep Guardiola

Rodri strikes again!

This post has been edited by kjs86: Feb 18 2024, 03:16 AM

wow didn't watch the chelsea game,terus draw dy

from now onwards need to watch every games

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6.5

Good decision-making to stop early Chelsea chances. Wouldn’t expect him to save Sterling’s effort.

Kyle Walker © – 5

Poor defending for Sterling’s opener and his effort led to Rodri’s goal.

Manuel Akanji – 5

Came forward to help in the attack but the high line meant that City were caught out a lot on the counter.

Ruben Dias – 5

Similar to Akanji, exposed by the high line but moved the ball well.

Nathan Ake – 5

Made good challenges early in the game but most of Chelsea’s attacks came down his side.

Rodri – 7

Always an option to pass to and scored the opener with a thunderous effort.

Phil Foden – 6

Floated around the final third looking to create but failed to make anything clear cut.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6

Made many crosses but few reached their target. Close effort from the free kick.

Jeremy Doku – 5

Wasn’t at his best today and struggled against Gusto.

Julian Alvarez – 5

Didn’t get a chance today and there wasn’t much input from him elsewhere.

Erling Haaland – 4

Failed to convert his chances and test the Chelsea goalkeeper. Wasn’t involved in the build-up play.

Substitutes

Bernardo Silva – 6

Covered every blade of grass and tried to create multiple chances but they didn’t come off.

Player Ratings

Ederson: Careless early on against Jackson but two excellent saves to deny Jackson and Sterling and could do little with the goal. 7

Walker: Struggled to contain Sterling and could not have the impact he wanted going down the wing. 6

Akanji: Like the game at Stamford Bridge, looked much better in his natural position in defence than he did pushing forward. 6

Dias: Made an important block in the second half to turn the ball away from the goal and took responsibility for organising the defence. 7

Ake: City's best defender yet again, in the right place in the box to help his team and working well with the midfield. 7

Rodri: City's best player, switched on to know exactly when and where to receive the ball from the back and keep it moving. Another important goal. 9

Alvarez: Contributed to a number of promising attacks but the ball is no longer dropping to him like it was earlier in the season. 6

De Bruyne: Huffed and puffed and was generally very creative again. Put one on a plate for Haaland, even if not everything paid off. 7

Foden: Didn't manage to have the same impact as he has managed in recent weeks but stayed involved until the end. 7

Doku: Did very well individually, although difficult to shake the feeling that it doesn't necessarily mean the team plays better. 7

Haaland: As poor a game in front of goal as he's had in ages, missing one sitter and several other chances that would have changed the game. 4

Substitutes

Silva (for Alvarez, 65) Bright and energetic to give City an injection of life. 7

Player Ratings

GK: Ederson - 7/10 - Caught in possession by Jackson in the first half but atoned for his error with some really impressive saves. Stopped Chelsea running away with this.

RB: Kyle Walker - 5/10 - Let Sterling cut inside on his preferred foot far too easily. Regularly left space in behind him which Chelsea should have exploited more.

CB: Ruben Dias - 4/10 - Either poor positioning or some foolish tactics left Dias scrambling in defence at times. Always seemed to be chasing back.

CB: Manuel Akanji - 4/10 - Almost didn't seem fully fit. Couldn't keep up with Chelsea's speedy counters.

LB: Nathan Ake - 7/10 - Made some sensational challenges to keep Chelsea's right side somewhat quiet.

DM: Rodri - 6/10 - Man-marked out of the first half by Gallagher but enjoyed more time on the ball after the break. Was the hero once again with his equaliser.

RM: Phil Foden - 5/10 - A couple of nice moments in possession but was far too quiet. Got no change out of Chilwell.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne - 6/10 - An uncharacteristically poor pass led to Chelsea's opening goal. Played some nice balls to try and get City back into the game.

CM: Julian Alvarez - 5/10 - Happy to pull the trigger from range but rarely posed any actual threat to Petrovic in the Chelsea goal.

LM: Jeremy Doku - 5/10 - Had plenty of chances to run at Gusto and even got the better of the Frenchman at times, but rarely offered anything of note when he got into the final third.

ST: Erling Haaland - 4/10 - Should have scored his early header and was left battling to get back into the game after that point. Missed another sitter late in the second half.

Substitutes

SUB: Bernardo Silva (64' for Alvarez) - 5/10

Pep Guardiola - 5/10 - The attack-heavy approach to this game gave Chelsea far too much space and time to score on the counter. The Blues could have had three or four here quite easily.

Player Ratings

Ederson-7/10: Made one stunning save in the second half to keep the score at 1-nil. Put his error against FC Copenhagen behind him to look back to his best at the Etihad.

Kyle Walker-6/10: He was caught out as Sterling cut inside to open the scoring for Chelsea. Like his team, he lifted in the second half and was a constant threat as the champions pushed forward.

Manuel Akanji-6/10: Not his best display but he toiled away for 90 minutes. His role of drifting into midfield became more important as City dominated the second half.

Ruben Dias-5.5/10: A strange display by Dias. He wasn’t necessarily poor but did appear guilty of trying too hard at times. He was caught out for Chelsea’s goal trying to make a challenge beyond the halfway which left space behind for Chelsea to exploit. Got better as the game wore on.

Nathan Ake-7/10: City’s best defender on the night. Made several vital challenges and tried to influence the game going forward.

Rodri-8/10: Once again put in an inspirational display. Never stopped trying and scored City’s equaliser late on. The champions would be lost without their midfield general.

Kevin De Bruyne-6.5/10: An almost game for De Bruyne. He almost equalised with a sublime free kick just after halftime. Almost set up several goals with pinpoint delivery but it wasn’t to be.

Phil Foden-6/10: Was on the periphery of the game playing out wide on the right. Got more involved once Bernardo Silva was introduced but couldn’t affect the game as he would’ve liked.

Julian Alvarez-4/10: Looked lost in midfield. Had several chances to score but wasn’t his best day in front of goal either.

Jeremy Doku-6/10: Arguably City’s biggest threat on the day besides De Bruyne playing out wide on the left. Not a perfect performance but he never stopped trying. Needs to improve his end product but can’t fault his effort.

Erling Haaland-4/10: A rare off day in front of goal from Haaland. Had several clear-cut chances but squandered them all. A reminder that he is human after all.

Substitutes
Bernardo Silva-6/10: Was introduced as City pressed for an equaliser. Can’t fault his effort but probably should have come on earlier to have a bigger effect on the game.

Player Ratings

Ederson - 7

Big save to prevent Nicolas Jackson before Chelsea’s opener and another after from Raheem Sterling.

Kyle Walker – 6.5

Should have done so much better for Sterling’s goal. Far more certain of himself later in the game.

Manuel Akanji – 5.5

Strong defensively yet didn’t pierce the midfield enough in a hybrid role that substitute John Stones thrives in.

Ruben Dias – 7

Individually played well, winning his duels, but City gave up far too many chances on the break.

Nathan Ake - 6

Chelsea were able to find joy in behind on their right a fair amount. Jeremy Doku was seen asking him for options on occasion too.

Rodri - 7.5

A little sluggish in the opening exchanges before growing into the game and hammered in the late equaliser.

Phil Foden - 6

Just didn’t see enough of the ball out on the right-hand side - and that blunted City massively.

Kevin De Bruyne – 7.5

Frustrated figure. Still produced moments of ingenuity. Started attempting to find different positions.

Julian Alvarez – 7

Asked to start a little deeper in a slightly unfamiliar role. Busy and always involved; looked as likely as anyone.

Jeremy Doku - 5.5

Needs to work on his end product inside the box. Promising runs resulted in nothing all too often.

Erling Haaland - 5

A collection of misses. Not his night and City did create enough for their top scorer to win them the game.

SUBS

Bernardo Silva (for Alvarez, 64) - 7

Ederson, Walker ©, Stones, Dias, Akanji, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Foden, Alvarez, Bobb, Haaland.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 7

Made good saves and distributed well. Kept a clean sheet.

Kyle Walker © – 7

Did well joining the attack and helped create from the right. Unlucky not to have an assist.

John Stones – 7

Moved the ball around the midfield swiftly and always looked forward.

Ruben Dias – 7

Had a tough challenge dealing with Toney but did well in stopping him.

Manuel Akanji – 7

Helped the attack and was always an extra man to pass to. Had some shots when available.

Rodri – 7

Tried to break the lines of the tight Brentford defence and was always available for the pass. Committed a few too many fouls.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Bridged the gap between midfield and attack. Missed a big chance in the first half.

Phil Foden – 7

Always looked to create around the Brentford penalty area but was often surrounded by defenders.

Oscar Bobb – 6

Unlucky not to have scored in the first half. Wasn’t heavily involved in the game but still had his chance.

Julian Alvarez – 7

Brentford’s low block didn’t allow him any room to operate. Had to drop deeper to get the ball and got the assist for Haaland’s goal.

Erling Haaland – 7

Didn’t get many chances but made the most of the one he got.

Substitutes:

Jeremy Doku – 6

Looked to add pace to the left side but didn’t get on the ball much.

Mateo Kovacic – 6

Didn’t have much time to impact the game but looked confident on the ball.

Player Ratings

Ederson: Commanded his box and was more secure than the defenders in front of him to keep a rare clean sheet. 7

Walker: Plenty of attempts down the right wing that went nowhere, but he also put it on a plate for Silva with a good run to the back post. 7

Dias: Saw more of the ball than he normally would, although some misplaced passes at the back. 6

Stones: Started strongly showing composure all over the pitch, but his influence faded over time. 7

Akanji: Started off ok and tested Flekken in goal but the more time he spent on the ball the more he wasted it. 5

Rodri: Tried his best to influence the final third and made an important pass for the goal. 7

Foden: Of all the shots City attempted, his were some of the most dangerous as he came in from the right. 7

Alvarez: An assist to play the ball through for Haaland, but two good chances blazed over the bar in the first half. 6

Silva: A mixture of tidy and quiet, generally ok with what he was involved in but not involved enough. 6

Bobb: As good as anyone else on his first Premier League start and a clever touch nearly brought him a goal. 7

Haaland: The matchwinner with a trademark finish, along with some decent play coming back to work with teammates. 7

Substitutes

Doku (for Bobb, 60) Grew into the game. 6

Kovacic (for Alvarez, 89) No time

Player Ratings

GK: Ederson - 6/10 - Made the odd save when called upon but was largely a spectator.

RB: Kyle Walker - 7/10 - Solid defensively and made some positive forward runs to stretch the Brentford backline.

CB: John Stones - 7/10 - Booked for scything down Wissa late in the first half and was certainly tested throughout by the physical Toney. Settled into proceedings.

CB: Ruben Dias - 7/10 - Performed admirably against some tricky Brentford forwards and was typically combative when required.

LB: Manuel Akanji - 7/10 - Regularly stepped forward with the ball in central areas and even had a pop at goal that was well saved by Flekken.

DM: Rodri - 7/10 - A characteristic Rodri display, the Spaniard breaking up Brentford counter-attacks and providing offensive support when required.

RM: Phil Foden - 8/10 - Played across the pitch and drifted into central areas throughout the match. Always looked a threat in and around the penalty area.

CM: Bernardo Silva - 7/10 - Not the most influential performance from the Portuguese, although he was neat and tidy on the ball as expected.

CM: Julian Alvarez - 6/10 - Snatched at a handful of first-half opportunities, with some surprising wastefulness in the final third from the World Cup winner. Still ended the game with an assist to his name.

LM: Oscar Bobb - 6/10 - Almost gave Man City a first-half lead but saw his well-taken effort cleared off the line. The youngster offered some bright moments, albeit lacking a little cutting edge.

ST: Erling Haaland - 8/10 - After a frustrating outing against Chelsea, Haaland got back on the scoresheet against the Bees. A fantastic finish from the Norwegian, who ended the game with the winning goal.

Substitutes
SUB: Jeremy Doku (61' for Bobb) - 6/10

SUB: Mateo Kovacic (89' for Alvarez) - N/A

Pep Guardiola - 6/10 - Not the most convincing performance from his side, who were made to work for all three points. Regardless, it was a hard-fought victory that keeps them within striking distance of the Premier League summit.

Player Ratings

Ederson-7/10: Made two crucial saves in the first half albeit the shots lacked any venom. Looks back to his best right in time for the crucial part of the season.

Kyle Walker-6/10: Defended well but his delivery was poor for the majority of the game. Finally provided an assist but had strayed offside late on. That summed up his night going forward.

John Stones-7.5/10: Was a calming influence at the back. Didn’t put a foot wrong in another superb display at the back.

Ruben Dias-7/10: Had a tremendous tussle with Ivan Toney for the majority of the game. Stood up to Toney’s physicality well. Has started to drift further up the field when City have possession which is something to watch going forward.

Manuel Akanji-8.5/10: Citys man-of-the-match. Was superb at left back and dangerous when going forward. His versatility was on display in a commanding performance from Akanji.

Rodri-8/10: Another dominant display from Rodri. Hardly put a foot wrong and was a driving force throughout the game.

Bernardo Silva-6.5/10: His effort couldn’t be questioned but his performance was just below his usual high standards.

Phil Foden-7.5/10: Grew into the game as it opened up in the second half. His touch was off in the early stages but he became a constant threat in the closing stages. Looked infinitely more dangerous in a central role.

Julian Alvarez-7.5/10: Provided a superb assist for Haaland to open the scoring. Looked more at home in the number 10 role and if his finishing was at his usual standard he could’ve had a day out.

Oscar Bobb-6.5/10: Saw one effort cleared off the line in the first half. Showed his creativity and quick feet before being substituted. Wasn’t City’s worst player while he was on the pitch.

Erling Haaland-7.5/10: It was never in doubt that Haaland would respond after his performance against Chelsea. Provided the match-winner and looked a threat throughout the game. The goals will flow sooner rather than later based on that display.

Substitutes
Jeremy Doku-6/10: Came on for Oscar Bobb on the hour mark. Didn’t provide a lot but is always a threat when he’s on the pitch.

Mateo Kovacic-N/A: Not on long enough to mark

Ederson, Akanji, Stones, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, Nunes, Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland