Starting XI: Ederson; Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne ©; Foden, Haaland, Doku.

Substitutes: Ortega Moreno, Lewis, Alleyne, O’Reilly, Bernardo, McAtee, Savinho, Grealish, Mubama.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 7

One of his quieter Premier League afternoons this term, but kept his concentration for the rare occasion he was called upon.

Manuel Akanji – 7

Has visibly struggled when faced with quick attacks in recent weeks, so will have been relieved at the lack of threat offered by Ipswich, allowing him to coast through the 70 minutes he played.

Ruben Dias – 7

Couldn’t have asked for a more ideal game to return to after a month out. Might have been a little worried after Liam Delap threatened him briefly at first, but those concerns quickly abated.

Josko Gvardiol – 8

Delighted in beating Ipswich’s press and getting City moving through the gears moving forward. Didn’t trouble the scoresheet himself but was key to allowing the Blues to get into so many scoring positions.

Matheus Nunes – 7.5

Looked nervy in the early proceedings but settled as Ipswich’s threat waned. Pushed up on the right wing to allow Foden to move inside.

Mateo Kovacic – 9

Showed just how good he can be in a team functioning smoothly. One of the best players in the Premier League at carrying the ball through the midfield lines to turn defence into attack and he did it relentlessly this afternoon, adding cherries on top in the form of a lovely goal and assist combo.

Ilkay Gundogan – 8.5

One of his best matches since returning to the club. His declining ability to sniff out midfield danger and win second balls has been one of the major disappointments in his season, but he rolled back the years today to put out every fire and keep City perennially on the front foot.

Kevin de Bruyne – 9

Relished the chance to maraud through the pitch on transition and picked up where he left off against Brentford. A fountain of creativity and was at the centre of three of the goals before being rested.

Phil Foden – 9 (MOTM)

He’s back. Recovered his poaching prowess at Brentford and put it to good use again here, snaffling up his chances in the box and spraying the ball around confidently otherwise, earning his status as one of the first three to be afforded a break on the bench.

Erling Haaland – 7.5

Completed the trio that Pep Guardiola clearly feels it is most important to have fully rested before the PSG game. Marked the first game since his mammoth contract extension with a well-taken goal and good all-round hour of football.

Jeremy Doku – 9

We saw how much he enjoys having time and space to attack his full-back in the Salford City game, and he grasped that chance again here. Knew exactly when to release the ball, as he did to help create Haaland’s strike and both of Foden’s, and when to shoot himself, earning a richly-deserved goal.

Substitutes

James McAtee – 7

Eager to impress and did so by flicking in a headed goal and buzzing around brightly.

Jack Grealish – 6.5

Might have seen this as his opportunity to fill his boots and stake a claim to a starting spot, but instead chose to slot into the possession play and keep it all sensible.

Divin Mubama – 6.5

A few strong pieces of hold-up play suggest he may not be too far off being ready to compete at this level.

Rico Lewis – 6.5

Moved into all sorts of positions to accommodate the possession play.

Nico O’Reilly – 6.5

Had some Kovacic-esque runs with the ball.

Player Ratings

Ederson: One excellent save in the second half on an otherwise quiet return to the starting lineup. No.1 again? 7

Nunes: An iffy first half where he failed to make the most of the positions he was in, although he did improve after the break. 7

Akanji: Had his hands full whenever Delap went near him but dealt with everything and enjoyed some early rest. 7

Dias: A welcome presence in the team again after injury, he immediately showed the aerial and physical ability City have been lacking. 8

Gvardiol: Worked well with Doku getting forward whenever he could, and he was rarely tested defensively. 8

Kovacic: A brilliant ball through that set Haaland away early on, and a well-taken goal in a more solid performance. 8

Gundogan: One of his easier displays in the holding role this season and there were even a few flicks that came out. 7

De Bruyne: More signs that he is getting back to his most effective, nimbly finding the right balls in the final third to produce City goals. 8

Doku: An assist, a goal, and lots of excellent attacking play that troubled Ipswich all game. 9

Foden: Two well-taken goals drifting in from the right. Could last season's form be coming back to him? City hope so. 9

Haaland: Missed one good chance but still found the net in his first game after that mega contract. 7

Substitutes

Grealish (for Foden, 63) Couldn't exploit the gaps in the way City had been doing. 6

Mubama (for Haaland, 63) Unsurprisingly, he does not carry Haaland's threat. 6

McAtee (for De Bruyne, 63) Only three City players have more goals than him this season. 7

Lewis (for Akanji, 72) A run at left-back for the final minutes. 6

O'Reilly (for Kovacic, 72) Earned his minutes with his Salford display. 6

This post has been edited by kjs86: Jan 20 2025, 05:48 AM

Player Ratings

Ederson (6/10):

Had to be sure-handed on a couple of occasions on his return to the line-up. A spectator for long periods, though.

Matheus Nunes (6/10):

Had a couple of hairy moments early on but eventually settled as he grows in confidence in his new role.

Manuel Akanji (6/10):

Solid at the back, though he was rarely stretched.

Ruben Dias (7/10):

What a relief to have him back! Made a couple of key interventions early on to prevent Ipswich from taking the lead, and exuded strength throughout.

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):

Doesn't always convince defensively but more than makes up for it with what he offers in possession. Helped force the hosts back down City's left his marauding runs.

Mateo Kovacic (9/10):

Given far too much room in midfield and dictated things with ease as a result. Should have had an early assist when Haaland was denied, but got a goal himself with a fine arrowed finish before delivering the dinked ball over the top for McAtee's header.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Got himself between the lines to knit things together for the visitors. Won't grab headlines, but quietly effective.

Kevin De Bruyne (9/10):

Full of energy as his inter-play with Doku was devastating down the City left. Managed to grab himself three assists before being given a rest around the hour mark.

Phil Foden (9/10):

Looks back to something like his best after scoring his second brace in the space of six days. Still not at the levels of last season, but the confidence is clearly returning.

Erling Haaland (6/10):

Should have beaten Walton to open the scoring early on, but eventually got a goal to celebrate his new contract shortly before being replaced.

Jeremy Doku (9/10):

Ipswich just could not deal with the speed and direct dribbling of the Belgian. Got a deserved goal and assist in the second half after playing a key role in each of the opening three strikes.

Subs & Manager

Jack Grealish (5/10):

Couldn't conjure much despite being given just under 30 minutes off the bench.

Divin Mubama (6/10):

Struggled to make an impact on the game after giving Haaland a rest.

James McAtee (7/10):

Got himself on the scoresheet again with a well-timed run and header to make it six.

Rico Lewis (6/10):

Kept things ticking in midfield for the final 20 minutes.

Nico O'Reilly (6/10):

Given a run out as City cruised through the closing stages.

Pep Guardiola (8/10):

Decision to restore Doku despite Savinho's fine form paid dividends, and his side looked much more solid with Dias back in the line-up. Will be pleased to have given so many big names a rest through the closing stages ahead of the PSG clash.

Player Ratings

Ederson-7/10: Made one save of note, but he was good in possession, and he was a calming presence in goal for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Matheus Nunes-7/10: Played well at right-back. Made a nervy start to the game but grew into the match. Has done well at right-back of late.

Manuel Akanji-7/10: Played well at the back and quietly went about his work.

Ruben Dias-7.5/10: He made one crucial block early and his presence does make Manchester City a better team.

Josko Gvardiol-7/10: He played well against Brentford and he was good again today.

Mateo Kovacic-9/10: Scored one and also picked up an assist. Alongside Ilkay Gundogan he dictated the midfield battle and played a key role in City’s massive win.

Ilkay Gundogan-8.5/10: Gundogan’s best performance of the season. Alongside Mateo Kovacic, he dictated the midfield battle and his run to set up City’s sixth goal of the game was brilliant.

Kevin De Bruyne-8.5/10: A fantastic performance again from De Bruyne. He picked up two assists and his link-up play with Doku was a highlight of the game.

Phil Foden-9/10: Foden grabbed a brace before being substituted. He is now back to his best and Manchester City are a better team when he is firing.

Jeremy Doku-9.5/10: Doku was Manchester City’s man-of-the-match for me. Scored one, set up Haaland’s goal and his link up play with De Bruyne was brilliant in the first half.

Erling Haaland-7.5/10: He scored one, but on another day, he could’ve scored a hat trick. His link-up play was great in a good performance from Haaland after he signed his mammoth contract extension earlier this week.

Substitutes

Jack Grealish-6/10: He came on with the game won and helped City see out the final stages of the game.

James McAtee-7/10: Scored his first Premier League goal with a beautiful header.

Divin Mubama-6/10: There is a player there with Mubama. Put himself about while he was on.

Nico O’Reilly-6/10: Showed some flashes of his undoubted talent.

Rico Lewis- 6/10: Like Grealish, he helped City close out the game’s final moments.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Jan 20 2025, 05:53 AM

This post has been edited by ps3 fanboy: Jan 21 2025, 12:16 PM

RC Lens and Manchester City are understood to have agreed a €40 million fee plus add-ons for the transfer of Abdukodir Khusanov over to English football, with the player penning a four-and-a-half year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

That initial contract signed by the central defender is also understood to have the option to extend by a further 12 months within the deal, presumably based on his success within the Manchester City side over the coming seasons.

This post has been edited by ps3 fanboy: Jan 21 2025, 07:16 PM

Starting XI: Ederson; Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo, De Bruyne ©; Foden, Haaland, Savinho.

Substitutes: Ortega, Carson, Lewis, Stones, Alleyne, Wright, O’Reilly, Gundogan, McAtee, Grealish.

Player Ratings


Ederson – 5

Faced nightmarish conditions for any goalkeeper in the pouring rain, and it did seem to have an adverse impact on his kicking. Can’t be blamed for either PSG goal.

Manuel Akanji – 4

Had his blushes spared after switching off and allowing Mendes to pick out Hakimi to score, only for VAR to disallow the goal. Produced a rare moment of City quality to help set up Grealish’s opener, but was far from his best otherwise.

Ruben Dias – 5.5

Was walking a tightrope after his early yellow card, and whilst he didn’t make any glaring errors thereafter, Pep Guardiola clearly felt he was too much of a risk to keep on in the second half.

Josko Gvardiol – 6 (MOTM)

Would have been fearing the worst after a rocky start up against Hakimi and Doue on the flank, but started to look more like his composed self the more it went on and wasn’t directly at fault for the collapse despite his slight touch keeping Ramos onside for the fourth.

Matheus Nunes – 3.5

The topsy-turviest of games. Gave a snapshot of his talents with a terrific run to lay up the Haaland goal, but was targeted throughout by Barcola and was done up like a kipper by the youngster for PSG’s first goal.

Mateo Kovacic – 4

Always tried to work himself out of tight situations, but by so doing tied himself in knots on more than one occasion and it led to PSG’s equaliser.

Bernardo Silva – 3.5

Nobody can ever doubt his effort, but when a team sets up to attack quickly and in transition as City did tonight, far more decisive and incisive offensive play is required than what the little Portuguese was able to provide.

Kevin de Bruyne – 4

Showed his running power at certain points on the break, but his decision-making was iffy at best and he only became more erratic as his fitness waned.

Phil Foden – 3.5

Far too much like the out-of-form Foden we’ve seen for large portions of this season. Aside from one pass to set up Savinho, he couldn’t get on the ball in any meaningful areas.

Erling Haaland – 4.5

Quite poor in his attempts to link play and lead the press for much of the match. Scored the goal that should have put City out of sight.

Savinho – 5

Looked threatening on the break with his pace but rarely made the right decisions, and was hooked at half-time.

Substitutes

Rico Lewis – 5

Scrapped in his own half but to no avail.

Jack Grealish – 6

Still couldn’t provide the directness he’s always struggled with at City, outside of the opening goal and forcing it through to Haaland for the second.

Ilkay Gundogan – 5

Struggled to make any influence in the midfield.

James McAtee – 5

Likewise, unlucky to come on when he did and see his team throw away the game.

John Stones – 4.5

Compounded his teammate’s flakiness by missing his header and allowing the PSG winner.

Player Ratings

Ederson: Made some solid saves early on to repel PSG but it felt like everything went through him in the second half. 5

Nunes: An imposing run helped make the second goal, although he struggled to make the right decisions in large chunks of the game. 4

Akanji: Brilliant for the first goal, taking a risk and outwitting his man. Some doubts at the back continue to lurk. 6

Dias: Had looked good clearing PSG attacks and starting moves for City - his absence in the second half must be down to injury. 7

Gvardiol: An important block off the line but has to take some responsibility for the defence conceding three. 5

Kovacic: Too often it felt like he was one touch away from disaster and some loose play near his own box cost City an equaliser. 4

Silva: Sometimes he looked overrun in the middle, sometimes he was integral to City doing well. Another performance that will divide opinion. 6

De Bruyne: Didn't create as well as he has in recent matches, and was taken off early. No lack of effort though. 6

Foden: Composure for the first goal but a few too many loose touches and missed a clearance for the winner. 6

Savinho: His final product let him down too often despite getting into promising positions and he was taken off at the break. 6

Haaland: Scored and there was some useful team play, although he could have done better in both departments. 6

Substitutes

Lewis (for Dias, 46) He struggled badly at left-back, unable to stop PSG men flying past him. 4

Grealish (for Savinho, 46) Emerged with the most credit after his involvement in two goals. 7

McAtee (for De Bruyne, 70) Played his way into trouble near his own box. 5

Gundogan (for Kovacic, 70) The team could not regain control when he came on. 5

Stones (for Nunes, 78) Conceded seconds after he came on. 6

Player Ratings

Ederson (3/10):

Didn't transmit any security. Loose in possession and unconvincing at shot-stopping, being too slow to react to Barcola pouncing on the rebound from Doue's shot off the bar, and then made a mess for Neves' strike.

Matheus Nunes (4/10):

Exposed again against a top-level opponent. Couldn't handle Barcola and was clumsy with the ball.

Manuel Akanji (7/10):

Useful at both ends. Made two good defensive interventions in the first half then marauded forward to play his part in the opening goal.

Ruben Dias (7/10):

Played clever passes from the back which created chances and solid in defence, but was taken off at half-time.

Josko Gvardiol (4/10):

Made a crucial block to deny Ruiz but was run ragged by substitute Dembele in the second half. Also played Ramos onside at the end.

Bernardo Silva (5/10):

Forced the parry from Donnarumma that led to Grealish's goal, but when the game went wild he couldn't keep control.

Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

Misplaced too many passes while PSG's midfield, particularly Joao Neves, took advantage of his lack of pace.

Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):

The main source of City's best attacking moments, and their threat faded when he came off in the 70th minute.

Phil Foden (5/10):

Fell over and disrupted a promising move that was started by Savinho, but then set up the Brazilian. Couldn't spark the revival City needed after conceding twice in quick succession.

Erling Haaland (6/10):

Should have done more with a free header in the first half, scored easily in the second but didn't provide enough of a threat when City needed him.

Savinho (6/10):

Showed some wonderful skill and put PSG under pressure, only to be bizarrely taken off at half-time.

Subs & Manager

Jack Grealish (8/10):

Made a difference in attack, but frustratingly it was on City's worst night.

Rico Lewis (5/10):

Him replacing Dias played into PSG's hands. Struggled a lot against Dembele.

James McAtee (5/10):

Not the player City needed.

Ilkay Gundogan (5/10):

Couldn't gain anything like the control City needed in midfield.

John Stones (5/10):

Only made things worse in defence.

Pep Guardiola (4/10):

A harrowing night for the three-time Champions League winner. His team did not play like the City we know, ceding PSG the ball and sitting off them. Looked to initially be playing for a draw, and then once his side had the upper hand, they threw it away.

Player Ratings

Ederson-6/10: He wasn’t poor but he wasn’t at his best either.

Matheus Nunes-6/10: Given a torrid time defensively but he did help create City’s second goal. He tried hard but he isn’t a right-back.

Manuel Akanji-6/10: It was Akanji’s run that created City’s opening goal. But defensively he struggled like many of his teammates.

Ruben Dias-6/10: Taken off at halftime after he picked up an early yellow card. Hopefully, that is why he came off at halftime and it’s not a fresh injury concern.

Josko Gvardiol-5/10: Gvardiol wasn’t at his best as he played at left-back and centre-back on the night.

Mateo Kovacic-6/10: He had some nice touches at times, but he lacked the legs to keep up with PSG’s athleticism and pace.

Kevin De Bruyne-6.5/10: De Bruyne worked hard and had his moments. He definitely wasn’t Manchester City’s worst player on the pitch.

Bernardo Silva-4/10: Bernardo looked old and slow and he couldn’t keep up with the PSG midfield. He did try hard but it wasn’t his night.

Savinho-5.5/10: Had one shot saved in the first half but didn’t get into the game as he would’ve liked besides that.

Phil Foden-6/10: Not his best night. There were flashes from Foden but he couldn’t get into the game he would’ve liked.

Erling Haaland-6.5/10: Scored a goal and toiled away all night but was starved of quality service.

Substitutes

Jack Grealish-7/10: Scored one and set up another after coming on at halftime. He drifted out of the game after that, but that wasn’t his fault, as City fell to a PSG siege after going 2-nil up.

Rico Lewis- 4/10: He was given a torrid time by Ousmane Dembele after coming on at halftime at left-back.

Ilkay Gundogan-5/10: Almost scored a late equaliser but wasn’t sighted besides that.

James McAtee-5/10: Came on in the second half alongside Ilkay Gundogan and, like Gundogan, couldn’t get into the game.

John Stones-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Jan 23 2025, 08:06 AM

This post has been edited by ps3 fanboy: Jan 23 2025, 05:23 PM

we got salah clone

This post has been edited by ps3 fanboy: Jan 23 2025, 05:23 PM

This post has been edited by ps3 fanboy: Jan 25 2025, 01:14 PM

fuh, Marmoush debut man

Ederson; Nunes, Khusanov, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan, Marmoush; Bernardo ©, Haaland, Foden.

Substitutes: Ortega Moreno, Lewis, Reis, Stones, O’Reilly, McAtee, De Bruyne, Grealish, Savinho.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 7

His long balls found Erling Haaland one-versus-one which led to the second and third goals. Could not do much to save the Chelsea goal.

Matheus Nunes – 7

Couldn’t venture forward as much to help cover with the new signing. Played a pivotal role in the equaliser. Defended well when asked to.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 3.5

Had a difficult first few minutes and his error led directly to the opening goal of the game. But looked like he was slowly growing into the game.

Manuel Akanji – 6

Wasn’t too bad. Had to take control of the defence when playing with a new signing.

Josko Gvardiol – 8 (MOTM)

One of the main threats in the game. Caused Reece James and Noni Madueke problems all game.

Mateo Kovacic – 6

Had Cole Palmer on his heels all game. He moved the ball around well but needed to move a bit quicker.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7

Beautiful ball over the top in the buildup to the equaliser. Tried to find holes in the high Chelsea press.

Bernardo Silva © – 7

Covered every blade of grass and wears the captains armband with pride. Understood the situation early on in the game and dropped back to help out.

Phil Foden – 7

Not as much involvement as he would have liked but took his chance well to secure the victory. Unlucky with his effort hitting the post.

Omar Marmoush – 7

Looks like a really promising signing. Made great runs in behind and always looks eager to score goals.

Erling Haaland – 7.5

Had very little impact on the game in the first half. Changed his approach in the second half which led to his goal to give City the lead and excellent hold-up to create the third goal.

Substitutes

John Stones – 6

Restored confidence in the back line and helped retain possession in City’s half.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6

His flick on led to the third goal for City and he provided a sense of control late in the game.