Player Ratings

Ederson – 6.5
Made an excellent first save and was unlucky for the rebound. Wasn’t called upon at all in the second half.

Kyle Walker – 7
Was a rough start keeping Real Madrid onside and then not being able to clear the cross. Other than that he was mostly fine, and made up for by stopping Vinicius on multiple occasions.

Manuel Akanji – 7
The first half highlighted what City fans already knew: Akanji is not John Stones. However, he did grow into the match and was better in the second half.

Ruben Dias – 7.5
Was rarely needed defensively, but looked like the Dias of old when called upon. Good on the ball as well.

Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
Felt as though he was often times dragged out of position on counterattacks, but was excellent in possession.

Rodri – 8
It was clear he needed the rest he desperately asked for. Looked sharper than he has in recent games.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5
Excellent all night, created chances and was a constant threat to score as well. Great composure for the equalizer.

Bernardo Silva – 7
Final ball was poor on several occasions in the first half, lofting it high and above Haaland time and time again. But like always looked more comfortable on the right wing. Rare average performance in a big match.

Phil Foden – 7
It’s a shame it took 60 minutes or so for Foden to be moved centrally. Was involved in a couple of chances in the first half when played on the wing but was much more dangerous in central areas.

Erling Haaland – 6.5
Wasn’t on the ball too often but got himself into good positions and was unlucky with the service he received.

Jack Grealish – 7.5
Was solid throughout, felt harsh for him to be the first to come off.

Substitutes
Jeremy Doku – 8
The decision to bring him on against tired legs proved to be genius.

Julian Alvarez – 6.5
Couldn’t do much with all 11 Real Madrid players in the box for all of extra time. Solid penalty though.

John Stones – N/A

Mateo Kovacic N/A

Player Ratings

Ederson: Unlucky with the goal after a superb reflex stop, and had a quiet night otherwise until the shootout where he saved and scored a penalty. 7

Walker: Twice at fault for the early goal City conceded, although his pace was an asset later in the game against Real's forward line. 7

Akanji: His deficiencies in the Stones role were exposed in the first half but he was much better after the break popping up in the box. 7

Dias: Solid all game and commanding the team from the back, making sure nobody was out of position. 7

Gvardiol: Trusted ahead of Ake and delivered another mature performance, settling after an early wobble and proving a vital link in City's play. 8

Rodri: He's just so good. It wasn't a vintage performance but he made sure he controlled the midfield in the second half. 8

Foden: Struggled to get into the game from the right wing, becoming more influential in the second half after switching with Silva. 7

De Bruyne: Wasteful on the ball and unable to make a host of City corners count, only to turn up at the right time with the vital equaliser. Should have had another. 7

Silva: City's Mr Versatile was in full flow again, working well with Grealish before looking better on the right in the second half. 7

Grealish: City's best player while he was on the pitch, offering an attacking threat that directly challenged Real and always looking comfortable on the ball. 7

Haaland: He did his job of occupying the defenders, although he could have done better with several chances that came his way. 6

Substitutes
Doku (for Grealish, 72) Troubled Carvajal from the off and made the equaliser. 8

Alvarez (for Haaland, 91) Gave City some extra pace but couldn't get a decent opening. 6

Kovacic (for De Bruyne, 112) A nice spring into the box late on and then a good tackle on Bellingham but missed from the spot. 6

Player Ratings

GK: Ederson - 6/10 - Actually a smart save in the build-up to Rodrygo's goal but could do nothing about the rebound. Otherwise pretty quiet until the shoot-out.

RB: Kyle Walker - 5/10 - His poor positioning played Rodrygo onside for the opener. Struggled against Vinicius early on but flexed his speed and stamina in extra-time to stop the Brazilian.

CB: Ruben Dias - 6/10 - Didn't inspire much confidence in the early stages but calmed himself down and did what he could in possession.

CB: Manuel Akanji - 5/10 - Looked uncomfortable as he pushed forward into a midfield role. Regularly caught out of position and underwhelmed in attacking positions.

CB: Josko Gvardiol - 6/10 - Defended his side well and even combined pretty well with Grealish in attack.

DM: Rodri - 7/10 - Slow in the first half but really grew into the game after the break. Made some huge challenges and smart passes to keep City coming.

RM: Phil Foden - 6/10 - Felt a little wasted out in this wide role in the first half but came central after the break and was more involved.

CM: Bernardo Silva - 6/10 - Like Foden, it seemed as though Silva was not being used in his strongest position. Seemed to grow into the game as the clock ticked on.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne - 7/10 - Seemed to be missing the final ball for the majority of the game but De Bruyne finally got things right when he thundered home the equaliser.

LM: Jack Grealish - 6/10 - A solid threat down his wing, combining well with Gvardiol to try make things happen.

ST: Erling Haaland - 4/10 - Slightly more involved than the first leg but that's hardly an upgrade. Unfortunate to see a first-half header come back off the bar.

Substitutes
SUB: Jeremy Doku (72' for Grealish) - 7/10

SUB: Julian Alvarez (91' for Haaland) - 6/10

SUB: Mateo Kovacic (112' for De Bruyne) - 5/10

SUB: John Stones (112' for Akanji) - 6/10

Player Ratings

Ederson (7/10):
Blameless for the goal, then mostly a passenger but stayed aware. Saved Luka Modric's spot-kick then nailed his own.

Kyle Walker (5/10):
A rusty return after a month out. Lost Rodryro, and his footing, for the opening goal after playing Madrid's forwards onside. Redeemed himself by shutting down a Vinicius attack in extra-time.

Ruben Dias (6/10):
Dazzled by Vinicius for the opener then steadied himself and blocked Madrid's exit routes in the second half.

Manuel Akanji (7/10):
Took the hybrid role baton from John Stones and ran with it, playing a big part in City's turnaround.

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
Given a rough time by Federico Valverde at the start but came out fighting, making valuable blocks and interceptions until the 120th minute.

Rodri (5/10):
Not at his best but played the game with his head, up to pulling back Brahim Diaz to stop him running clean through.

Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):
Looked like a man on a mission, relentlessly chasing the ball and trying to make something happen. After many bungled attempts he found the equaliser and then should have wrapped the game up in normal time.

Bernardo Silva (5/10):
Helped drag Madrid from side to side and his tireless running contained Vinicius Junior after the break. But his penalty was awful, straight down the middle and easily trapped by Lunin.

Phil Foden (6/10):
No firecracker goals this time and quiet by his usual standards but played his part in the second half dominance. Bungled a big chance in extra-time, then banged in his penalty.

Erling Haaland (5/10):
An improvement on his dire display in Madrid, hitting the bar with a header, but it was yet another big game he failed to score in.

Jack Grealish (6/10):
Had a fascinating duel with Dani Carvajal and was responsible for some of City's best attacks. A surprise substitution for Jeremy Doku but Pep knows best.

Jeremy Doku (7/10):
His pace and trickery gave Madrid an extra weapon to deal with and he sparked the equaliser, albeit with helping hand from Rudiger. Continued to cause them havoc in extra-time.

Julian Alvarez (5/10):
Replaced Haaland for extra-time to offer fresh legs and more movement but couldn't have much of an impact. Took his penalty perfectly.

John Stones (N/A):
Introduced in the 112th minute.

Mateo Kovacic (N/A):
Replaced De Bruyne in the 112th minute and lost his nerve in the shootout.

Pep Guardiola (6/10):
Got a proper reaction after half-time and bringing on Jeremy Doku gave his side an edge. But taking off Haaland when a shootout was likely will go down as an error of judgement.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Apr 18 2024, 06:28 AM

Ortega Moreno, Walker ©, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Alvarez.

Player Ratings

Ortega Moreno – 8 (MOTM)
The German goalkeeper did his job perfectly today, making crucial saves when needed and displaying some flawless distribution. You wouldn’t be blamed for thinking Ederson was in goal.

Kyle Walker – 6.5
Walker showed his pace a couple of times to defend Jackson and co, but looked sloppy in possession unnecessarily.

John Stones – 6
A standard afternoon for Stones who was replaced at the break by Ruben Dias.

Manuel Akanji – 7
Operated in the “John Stones role” today and did it well enough, making good runs into midfield and finding space in the pockets.

Nathan Ake – 7
A tidy return to action for Ake who didn’t do much wrong against Noni Madueke.

Rodrigo – 6.5
Sloppy in possession at times which never bodes well when Rodri is off the mark. A surprise selection for the Spaniard to start.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5
Not at the races today which is understandable given the fatigue, but an overall tame performance, despite the assist for Bernardo Silva’s goal.

Phil Foden – 7
Tried hard and worked well in the midfield, but missed that final end product when it mattered.

Bernardo Silva – 7.5
Similar to De Bruyne, Silva looked tired until his fairytale redemption to give City the lead after 84 minutes.

Julian Alvarez – 6.5
Not as involved as he might have liked but Alvarez did his job, tracking back well and always involved in the build up play.

Jack Grealish – 7
Displayed some tidy footwork before unfortunately coming off injured after 65 minutes, being replaced by Jeremy Doku.

Substitutes:
Ruben Dias – 7
Looked assured upon arriving in the game after replacing John Stones at the half-time break.

Jeremy Doku – 7
Doku looked lively after replacing Jack Grealish, giving Malo Gusto a difficult time on the left wing, creating chances and giving the defenders something different to think about.

Oscar Bobb – N/A

Player Ratings

Ortega: Saved sharply from Jackson a few times and also showed good awareness to limit the threat on City's goal. 8

Walker: Nearly a costly slip in the first half but he made it his personal mission to stop Jackson on the counter-attack. 7

Stones: Awful lapse to let Jackson run half the pitch past him to get in on Ortega's goal, and didn't come out for the second half. 5

Akanji: Needed to give everything and did, throwing it all on the line when he wasn't pushing into midfield. 7

Ake: His first game back since the Arsenal match and he was as calm as ever even under serious pressure. 7

Rodri: Some of his usual excellence but also plenty of sloppy play as his legs and brain struggled to pull through. 6

Foden: Fits of activity without ever really dominating on the ball as City struggled to keep possession. 6

De Bruyne: A killer ball to Foden early on and his run and cross made the goal - even if it looked like he wanted every run to be his last in the game 7

Silva: Missed from the spot on Wednesday before coolly slotting home the winner on Saturday. Brilliant for him. 7

Grealish: Looked the most likely to do something in the City attack until he took a nasty knock and had to go off. 7

Alvarez: Took up some excellent positions early on and worked well with his teammates, although failed to trouble the goalkeeper. 7

Substitutes
Dias (for Stones, 46) A few hairy moments not enough to take the shine off another solid effort shoring things up at the back, with a terrific late block on Chilwell. 7

Doku (for Grealish, 65) Bright as soon as he came on, troubling Petrovic and giving Gusto plenty to think about. 7

Bobb (for Alvarez, 88) No time

Player Ratings

Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Saved efforts from Palmer and Nicolas Jackson although his kicking was loose.

Kyle Walker (5/10):
Rusty again and lost the ball in key areas in the first half. Got sharper in the second and won a key battle with Nicolas Jackson.

John Stones (5/10):
Played more defensively as Akanji went forward. Blocked a dangerous Chelsea move late in the first half then was taken off at the break.

Manuel Akanji (5/10):
Got turned a couple of times by Cole Palmer and his forward flurries left City exposed.

Nathan Ake (5/10):
Couldn't create much and allowed too much danger down his flank.

Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Didn't have a great game but popped up in the right place at the right time.

Rodri (6/10):
Couldn't dictate the play but proved his worth by bailing his team-mates out on many occasions.

Phil Foden (5/10):
Had a couple of promising flashes but one of many players who still looked tired from Wednesday.

Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):
Huffed and puffed but misfired for much of the game. He kept on believing, though, and eventually set up the goal.

Julian Alvarez (4/10):
A poor display. Barely got involved and again looked uncomfortable leading the line.

Jack Grealish (7/10):
Worked like a trooper and held City's disjointed midfield together until taken off.

Subs
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Did some useful sweeping up when Chelsea got in behind.

Jeremy Doku (7/10):
His crazed dribbles unlocked Chelsea and lit the fuse for the goal.

Oscar Bobb (N/A):
Replaced Alvarez in the 88th minute.

Manager
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
Could have rotated more to give his drained players a rest but ultimately his changes swung the game and his side are in yet another final.

Player Ratings

GK: Stefan Ortega - 8/10 - Fairly busy throughout but did pretty much everything he needed to do. A smart save from Palmer in the first half and a great double-stop on Jackson after the restart.

RB: Kyle Walker - 5/10 - Guilty of giving Jackson far too much space in behind him. Bailed out by his pace once or twice.

CB: John Stones - 6/10 - Made a huge block to deny Madueke. Did his job well before being withdrawn at the break.

CB: Manuel Akanji - 5/10 - Surprisingly deployed in the hybrid midfield role but made things look a little uncomfortable at times.

LB: Nathan Ake - 7/10 - Busy up against Madueke but usually came out on top. Comfortable with the ball at his feet as well.

DM: Rodri - 5/10 - Looked tired after playing 120 minutes in midweek. Lost Palmer on more than one occasion.

RM: Phil Foden - 6/10 - Buzzed around with nice energy but didn't offer a whole lot in front of goal. Couldn't have done any better when he rounded Petrovic in the first half.

CM: Bernardo Silva - 7/10 - Pretty quiet before popping up with the all-important moment.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne - 6/10 - Like Silva, De Bruyne was not himself before sending in the cross which turned out to be the winner.

LM: Jack Grealish - 7/10 - City's most dangerous forward. Looked dangerous whenever he got on the ball and was involved in most of City's best moments.

ST: Julian Alvarez - 5/10 - Not particularly involved in proceedings. Chelsea's tough defence eliminated the space for him.

Substitutes
SUB: Ruben Dias (46' for Stones) - 6/10

SUB: Jeremy Doku (65' for Grealish) - 6/10

SUB: Oscar Bobb (88' for Alvarez) - N/A

Manager
Pep Guardiola - 5/10 - This was far from a vintage performance from City, who looked very open at the back far too often.

Player Ratings

Stefan Ortega - 8
Completed a collection of huge saves either side of the break. Enjoying a very encouraging season.

Kyle Walker - 6
Settled into the game after an erratic start. Yet still did make decisions that could have hurt City.

John Stones – 6
Interestingly wasn’t asked to act as the hybrid midfielder. Fortunate after Nicolas Jackson caught him out.

Manuel Akanji – 6.5
The Swiss never lets Pep Guardiola down. Progressed possession nicely and formidable in the duels.

Nathan Ake - 7
Solid at left back on his comeback. Good battle with Noni Madueke and a few timely tackles when Chelsea broke.

Rodri – 6
Leggy at the base of midfield – even though he had last weekend off. Improved massively in the second half.

Bernardo Silva - 7
Didn’t appear himself, perhaps a hangover from the missed penalty. And then popped up with the winner.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6
Looked exceptionally tired from the off. Simple passes regularly going awry until a drive to the byline helped Silva win the tie.

Phil Foden – 6
Forever threatening, taking up little pockets. All over the park but not enough time spent in Chelsea’s box.

Jack Grealish - 7
Probably City’s best before he was forced off. Drove at his man well, picked the right pass. A big positive.

Julian Alvarez – 5
Lively without truly affecting proceedings. That role only really works with willing runners from midfield.

Ederson, Walker ©, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Alvarez

Player Ratings

Ederson – 7.5
Flawless distribution and an excellent couple of saves kept Ederson’s clean sheet intact at the Amex.

Kyle Walker – 8
Assister of two goals, Kyle Walker had a mixed performance on Thursday night, finding himself in some great areas going forward but still being caught out a couple of times at the back.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5
Akanji did everything that was asked of him against Brighton, keeping the Seagulls attack quiet all evening.

Nathan Ake – 8
It wouldn’t be unfair to say Ake has been one of the most underrated signings of the Pep Guardiola era at Manchester City. Another dominant display at the back from the Dutch defender.

Josko Gvardiol – 7
Slightly fortunate not to concede a penalty in the second-half, but a tidy performance all round from Gvardiol.

Rodrigo – 7.5
Sat deep, passed the ball, moved the Brighton midfield around, barely broke a sweat. A typical Rodri performance.

Mateo Kovacic – 8
Kovacic has been an unbelievable acquisition following his arrival from Chelsea. The Croatian was at his silky best tonight, with the Brighton midfield unable to get anywhere near him.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8
We all knew Kevin De Bruyne had a ridiculous goal catalogue, but who saw that coming? A cracking header and a brilliant performance before being replaced.

Bernardo Silva – 8
A performance which proves that football should be watched with the eyes. Silva was at the front and centre of everything good tonight despite having just a singular assist to show for it.

Julian Alvarez – 7.5
Worked tirelessly hard in typical fashion and earned his reward with the fourth goal on the night.

Phil Foden – 9 (MOTM)
In a difficult away fixture you need your big players to step up, and Phil Foden demonstrated once again how he falls into that category. A classy performance from the star of the show tonight.

Substitutes:

Matheus Nunes – 7
Kept the ball and did his job after arriving upon 72 minutes.

Jack Grealish – 7
The last man you want to see come on the pitch when you’re frustrated and demoralised is probably Jack Grealish. Similar to Nunes, Grealish did his job as asked when he came on.

Jeremy Doku – 6

Rico Lewis – 6

Sergio Gomez – 6

This post has been edited by kjs86: Apr 26 2024, 05:17 AM

Player Ratings

Ederson: Rarely tested, and calm in possession. Always looking for a long-ball assist, but that didn't quite come off against Brighton this time! 6

Kyle Walker: Often the furthest man forward, Walker clipped a perfect ball back for De Bruyne's opener, and got a second assist when he burst into the box for the fourth. 7

Manuel Akanji: When do we start to consider Akanji as a first-choice defender? Picked ahead of Stones and Dias, Akanji is now comfortable moving into midfield and helped Rodri well. 6

Nathan Ake: Solid defending when called upon, and often left as a one-man defence in possession. Could have scored with a difficult chance from a first half free-kick. 6

Josko Gvardiol: Continues to improve game-on-game, and is getting better at knowing when to go forward and when to check back. Helped Foden and Alvarez by reading their movements and reacting accordingly. 6

Rodri: Quietly effective as ever, helped by having Kovacic alongside him. Given a rest towards the end. 6

Mateo Kovacic: Did well to break the lines and set De Bruyne and Foden on his way in a physical midfield battle. 6

Kevin De Bruyne: A wonderful diving header continued his good scoring form, and was incredibly his first headed goal in the Premier League. There was no sign of rustiness here, and this was De Bruyne back to his marauding best - just in time for the run-in. 8

Bernardo Silva: Given something of a free role, Bernardo used his tactical versatility to allow others to flourish. His press provided Foden with the simplest of goals for the third. 7

Phil Foden: Maybe a slice of luck with his deflected free-kick and gift of a second, but Foden was brilliant throughout. He now has 24 goals for the season, and his seventh and eighth against Brighton mean the Seagulls are his favourite opponent to face. 50 Premier League goals is a fine landmark for a player cementing his status as favourite for the Player of the Year awards. 8

Julian Alvarez: Operating more out wide as Foden and De Bruyne rotated as false nines, Alvarez was disciplined in dragging the two centre-backs wide. He has just one goal in 17 games now, however this was one of his better performances in Erling Haaland's absence. 7

Substitutes:

Grealish (on 72): Hard to influence the game with so many changes, but bright on the left. 6

Nunes (on 72): Some nice touches and runs forward. 6

Doku (on 78): Could have scored a fifth. 6

Gomez (on 78): Came on in Rodri's position in midfield rather than left-back. 6

Lewis (on 78): Good footwork at right-back. 6

Player Ratings

GK: Ederson - 6/10 - Bar the odd bit of sweeping, he was rarely involved.

RB: Kyle Walker - 8/10 - Tested Barco with his frequent flying runs down the right and set up De Bruyne's opener and Alvarez's strike.

CB: Manuel Akanji - 7/10 - Seldom tested by Brighton's forward line and was tidy playing out from defence.

CB: Nathan Ake - 7/10 - Spurned one half-chance prior to Man City's opener but it mattered little in the end. A very quiet evening for the Dutchman defensively.

LB: Josko Gvardiol - 6/10 - Stepped forward when required but often wasn't needed in attack. Perhaps could have been punished for tripping Pedro in the penalty area.

CM: Rodri - 6/10 - A few wayward passes could have put Man City in trouble had Brighton been more clinical. The Spaniard also could have given away a penalty moments after the break.

CM: Mateo Kovacic - 7/10 - Drove forward impressively from midfield and offered some dynamism in central areas.

RM: Bernardo Silva - 7/10 - A subtle performance from the Portuguese, who kept things ticking along in the final third.

AM: Kevin De Bruyne - 8/10 - A fantastic first headed Premier League goal from the Belgian, who was gliding across the Amex turf effortlessly. Another influential outing.

LM: Phil Foden - 9/10 - Another majestic display from Foden who grabbed himself two first half goals. The first was slightly fortunate, but the second was typically graceful.

ST: Julian Alvarez - 7/10 - Some really good runs beyond the Brighton backline and his persistence paid off when he ended his goalscoring drought in the second half.

Substitutes
SUB: Jack Grealish (71' for Foden) - 6/10

SUB: Matheus Nunes (71' for De Bruyne) - 6/10

SUB: Jeremy Doku (78' for Silva) - 6/10

SUB: Rico Lewis (78' for Walker) - 6/10

SUB: Sergio Gomez (78' for Rodri) - 6/10

Manager
Pep Guardiola - 8/10 - A sensational performance from his side, who cut Brighton open repeatedly and punished their risky tactics. Made a potential banana skin fixture look so, so simple.

Player Ratings

Ederson (7/10):
The Brazilian goalkeeper was a virtual spectator all night but was alert when called upon. Sometimes his distribution was a bit sloppy, however.

Kyle Walker (8/10):
The veteran is usually known for his defensive qualities but got a superb assist for De Bruyne and then showed good tenacity to set up Alvarez, too.

Nathan Ake (7/10):
The Dutchman is a much-improved defender these days but he really didn't have much trouble against Brighton's tepid attack.

Manuel Akanji (7/10):
His pace and sweeping work helped him deal with a couple of sticky situations but it was a relatively easy night for the Swiss.

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
Like much of City's backline, had little to do but made some good covering tackles in the second half. Was lucky not to give away a spot kick for a foul on Joao Pedro.

Rodri (7/10):
Was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty for bringing down Gross early in the second half but helped keep Brighton's disjointed midfield in check. Was a tad sloppy at times, though.

Mateo Kovacic (8/10):
Seems to be growing in confidence and is having a bigger say on games these days. Looks really comfortable in City's midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne (8/10):
Did his best Robin van Persie impression with a terrific diving header to send City on their way and was an attacking threat throughout.

Phil Foden (9/10):
Was rather fortunate to win his side a free-kick in the lead up to his first goal but his elusiveness and trickery were too hot to handle all night. Took his second with aplomb as he brought up his 50th Premier League goal. The 23-year-old is unplayable at times.

Julian Alvarez (7/10):
Filled in for Erling Haaland up front and, after being relatively quiet for an hour, was in the right place at the right time to slot home after good work by Walker. A workmanlike performance.

Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Was somewhat overshadowed by team-mate Foden but kept Brighton on their toes enough as he kept popping up in dangerous areas.

Substitutes
Jack Grealish (6/10):
Barely had any of the ball when he came on.

Matheus Nunes (7/10):
Was eager to drive forward with the ball every time he touched the ball.

Jeremy Doku (6/10):
Was a bit up and down when he came on as he nearly made it 5-0 but also was sloppy with his passing.

Rico Lewis (7/10):
Looked lively when he came late on.

Sergio Gomez (N/A):
Didn't have much chance to make an impact

Manager
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
Got his starting lineup spot on and his team did the rest. Was able to give De Bruyne, Foden, Rodri and Silva a rest in the second half, too.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 7.5
As well as the occasional save, Manchester City’s fourth goal of the evening originated from a pass from Ederson. Stood by his own penalty spot, he created that chance by himself. Remarkable.

Kyle Walker – 8
Totally relentless down the right wing, assisting Kevin De Bruyne for the opener and making the run to meet Ederson’s long ball when he fooled Valentin Barco by cutting inside.

Manuel Akanji – 7
While Brighton buggered up passing out from the back, Akanji and Co showed them how it’s done. Worth remembering that he only cost £15million when he was signed. Bargain.

Nathan Ake – 7
Could not get control of the ball when the game’s first chance fell to him. Not to worry, as Manchester City soon got the party started thereafter, while the defenders did their jobs.

Josko Gvardiol – 7
With Phil Foden moving into more central positions, Gvardiol often had the left wing to himself. Perhaps fortunate that he did not give away a penalty for a collision with Joao Pedro.

Rodri – 7.5
Midfield machine who will not be beaten in the Premier League and substituted at 4-0 to save his legs for the next challenge of Nottingham Forest. Best in the business.

Bernardo Silva – 7
Stopped Valentin Barco from passing his way out of the box so that Phil Foden could get their third goal. Tidy technician kept Manchester City ticking along nicely from the right.

Mateo Kovacic – 7
Often, Kovacic can go under the radar, but perhaps that is because he performs his role with such simplicity and ease. Masterful midfielder who is key to their patterns of play.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8
Followed here, there and everywhere by Jakub Moder, but all on his own when he dispatched his diving header to get this rout going. Who knew he had that technique in his locker? Yikes.

Phil Foden – 8.5
Picking up pockets wherever and whenever as Pep Guardiola realises special players deserve that freedom. Scored twice, one of which came after he won a free-kick when he slipped.

Julian Alvarez – 7
Got his goal – and Manchester City’s fourth – as his team tormented Brighton without Erling Haaland. Had other chances to score, such as an attempt blasted wide when the angle was tight.

Substitutes
Jack Grealish (for Foden, 72) – 6

Matheus Nunez (for De Bruyne, 72) – 6

Jeremy Doku (for Silva, 78) – N/A

Sergio Gomez (for Rodri, 79) – N/A

Rico Lewis (for Walker, 79) – N/A

Manager
Pep Guardiola – 7.5
A professional performance from a Manchester City side that know exactly what they have to do the pressure is on. Five wins to go, and the title is theirs.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6
Didn’t face too many shots on target in his half on the pitch, although didn’t look too comfortable dealing with Forest’s crossing threat.

Kyle Walker – 6.5
Faced a lot of Forest attention down his side, not often coping with it particularly well. Functional in possession.

Manuel Akanji – 7
Had the unusual proposition of an opponent who is stronger than him in Chris Wood, but shut him out more often than not.

Nathan Ake – 7.5
Asked a lot of questions to cover in behind, doing the hard running and mopping up effectively.

Josko Gvardiol – 8
Looking every inch a City player now, secure both in touch and pass as well as cracking in the opener with his bonce.

Rodri – 8 (MOTM)
Seemed the guiding lighthouse as those around him floundered. Countless vital recoveries and classy long passes.

Bernardo Silva – 7
Got through the hard yards that are always expected of him, as well as being fluid in positioning to help the team wherever needed. Didn’t have quite his usual proficiency in possession.

Jeremy Doku – 5.5
Struggled when tasked with tracking back against Aina, not really producing enough going forward either. Subsequently withdrawn at half-time.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8
Only he can make a few questionable decisions and not look at quite his usual level, whilst still coming away with the two match-winning assists.

Jack Grealish – 6.5
Provided something of a threat with some good passing in advanced areas in the first half. Didn’t hold onto it as well as he normally does in the second, and was hooked after an hour.

Julian Alvarez – 6.5
Harried as hard as ever, but didn’t get truly involved in the game until a shift to the wing when Haaland came on.

Substitutes

Stefan Ortega – 7
Stayed sharp to prevent an Elanga cross from creeping over him in his only real goalkeeping moment.

Mateo Kovacic – 7
Calmed everything down and slotted in next to Rodri to help regain control of the game.

Erling Haaland – 7
Immediately offered a whole new threat to Forest and bagged that nerve-settling second goal.

Matheus Nunes – N/A

Oscar Bobb – N/A

Player Ratings

Ederson: Ropey from the first minute until the 45th, dropping a number of easy balls from corners and not finding teammates with passes. 4

Walker: Beaten all afternoon by Aina, trying to organise teammates while being unable to carry out what was needed in his position. 4

Akanji: Picked as Guardiola's messenger to pass orders to the team when things weren't going well, and had a better second half. 7

Ake: The best defender on the pitch, albeit the standards were lower than usual in this game. He covered well for Gvardiol and largely stuck to his responsibilities. 7

Gvardiol: Some wayward touches and wild decisions that cost City possession and encouraged Forest, but also several important blocks and another important goal. 8

Rodri: Kept his head this time, having lost it so spectacularly in the reverse fixture. His class showed as the game went on. 7

Silva: Played wherever City needed him - often inside and back alongside Rodri - and kept on running right until the end when others wobbled to see out the win. 7

De Bruyne: More assists than Saka in a season where he has missed five months - make it make sense. Two more today to make the difference when City needed. 8

Doku: Carried the ball okay in the Forest half but struggled to help Walker out up against Aina and when he did get back it didn't always prove the relief it should have done. 6

Grealish: A surprise to see him taken off as one of the few offering City control in a game where they otherwise badly lacked it. 7

Alvarez: His pressing in the first half was essential to limit Forest's threat to what it was, although he lacked any real goal threat himself. 7

Substitutes

Ortega (for Ederson, 46): Had very little to do but made an important save towards the end to keep the clean sheet. 7

Kovacic (for Doku, 46): Stabilised the midfield, making it more difficult for Forest to play through City. 7

Haaland (for Grealish, 62): Scored a goal inside 10 minutes to change the game - exactly what he was brought on to do. 7

Nunes (for De Bruyne, 89): No time

Bobb (for Alvarez, 89): No time

Player Ratings

GK: Ederson - 4/10 - Struggled in the first half, flapping at a corner kick to gift Murillo a great chance. Hooked at half-time due to a suspected injury.

RB: Kyle Walker - 4/10 - Hudson-Odoi had the beating of Walker in a way that very few wide players usually do.

CB: Manuel Akanji - 6/10 - Used the ball well when in possession, completing 96% of his passes, and won 100% of his tackles.

CB: Nathan Ake - 6/10 - Made a few noteworthy tracking runs when Forest were on the ascendancy.

LB: Josko Gvardiol - 8/10 - Scored the opening goal and made a goal line stop at the other end to prevent Wood from equalising. Very good day at the office, all round.

DM: Rodri - 7/10 - Typical Rodri performance: 100% tackles won, 94% pass completion, and won five duels.

RM: Jeremy Doku - 3/10 - Refused to track back, causing his team problems defensively as a result. Taken off at half-time.

CM: Bernardo Silva - 5/10 - Not a particularly effective outing from the Portugal international.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne - 8/10 - The best player on the pitch, De Bruyne assisted both City's goals on the day.

LM: Jack Grealish - 4/10 - Spent more time trying to win fouls than he did trying to effect the game in a positive manner. Not a great outing.

ST: Julain Alvarez - 6/10 - Failed to provide anything when playing up top, but began to effect the game when he dropped into an attacking midfield role after Haaland's introduction.

Substitutes

SUB: Stefan Ortega (45' for Ederson) - 6/10

SUB: Mateo Kovacic (45' for Doku) - 6/10

SUB: Erling Haaland (60' for Grealish) - 7/10 - Came on and scored. Deadly.

SUB: Matheus Nunes (89' for De Bruyne) - N/A

SUB: Oscar Bobb (89' for Alvarez) - N/A

Manager

Pep Guardiola - 7/10 - His team struggled in the first half, but his substitutions ultimately turned the game in his side's favour.


This post has been edited by kjs86: Apr 29 2024, 01:57 AM

Player Ratings

Ederson (4/10):
Took an early blow to the shoulder and was all over the place for the rest of the first half. Wisely taken off at the break.

Kyle Walker (4/10):
Run ragged down his side by the twin threat of Ola Aina and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Nathan Ake (6/10):
Put his physical attributes to good use, keeping a close eye on Chris Wood.

Manuel Akanji (6/10):
Forced to sweep up several times when Forest breached the backline from the wings, didn't get forward too often.

Josko Gvardiol (6/10):
Rounded off an excellent April with his fourth goal contribution but was pretty slack otherwise

Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):
Set up both goals to make it 15 assists for the season, despite being injured for half of it. Gave Haaland the perfect pass, taking advantage of their wonderful understanding.

Rodri (6/10):
Was not as commanding as usual but held things together in the second half.

Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Unable to weave his usual magic but worked hard to ensure City didn't let their lead slip.

Jeremy Doku (5/10):
Back in the line-up after a string of impressive showings as a substitute but was rather wasteful and hooked at half-time after being dispossessed twice and missing the target twice.

Julian Alvarez (6/10):
Worked extremely hard and had got movement but lacked the finishing touch.

Jack Grealish (5/10):
Didn't create much and couldn't exert as much control as he usually does.

Substitutes

Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Commanded his box with more authority than Ederson and did well to tip over the one dangerous shot he faced.

Mateo Kovacic (6/10):
Gave City more balance after replacing Doku.

Erling Haaland (7/10):
Scored on his return from a short lay-off to wrap the points up. What more can you ask for?

Matheus Nunes (N/A):
Brought on in the 89th minute.

Oscar Bobb (N/A):
Brought on in the 89th minute.

Manager

Pep Guardiola (6/10):
It was one of the worst first half displays of the season but understandable due to absences of Dias and Foden and ultimately got the job done by bringing on Haaland.