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English Clubs Manchester City FC, Injury Crisis
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kjs86
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Feb 9 2025, 02:51 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Stefan Ortega: 4
Made a good save in the first-half to deny Charlie Kelman before being caught off his line for Orient’s opener. Although unfortunate, the German was caught in no man’s land by Donley.
Rico Lewis: 4
He has looked vulnerable in right-back this season and, despite the lesser opposition, it was the same old story for the England international. Caught out by several balls over the top, with Orient appearing to target the 20-year-old, and struggled to deal with Diallang Jaiyesimi. His speculative effort did earn him an assist though.
Vitor Reis: 6 (Khusanov, 45)
Encouraging debut from the Brazilian. Did look vulnerable at times when holding a high line and being tasked with some hard-hitting duels but made up for it with his confidence in possession.
Ruben Dias: 6 (Stones, 45)
Not too many questions were asked of the Portugal international in the first half, with chances largely coming down the right. Withdrawn to keep him fresh to face Real Madrid.
Nico O’Reilly: 5 (De Bruyne, 72)
Never looked truly comfortable in left-back. Lost possession needlessly on several occasions and was reluctant to overlap, allowing Orient to double up on Grealish.
Nico Gonzalez: 5 (Silva, 22)
In another injury disaster for City, the Rodri replacement lasted just 22 minutes on Saturday. The midfielder appeared to suffer a back injury when being brushed off of the ball before Donley’s opener in what was a costly error. Showed promise prior.
Ilkay Gundogan: 5
Poor miss in the first half and never truly recovered from that, failing to inject any pace or energy into City’s buildup. Another subpar display from the German.
Savinho: 7
Bright performance from the winger, with his direct style and pace causing plenty of issues. His impact fizzled out in the second half but he was the pick of the City attackers.
James McAtee: 4 (Foden, 72)
A very quiet afternoon for the playmaker. Never truly looked like leaving his mark on the game, striking the post with a cute finish in the second half after the ball fell his way. Booked for a clumsy foul after 43 minutes.
Jack Grealish: 7
Lacked support from his fullback but crafted five big chances for his teammates, drawing two fouls with his quick feet too. Did have opportunities to deliver a handful more crosses which he passed up on. Provided an excellent assist for De Bruyne’s goal to showcase what he is capable of when at his very best.
Omar Marmoush: 6
Showed glimpses of promise and should have equalised in the first half if not for a brilliant save from Keeley. Certainly looked more comfortable previously when playing as a No. 10 behind Erling Haaland though rather than as a lone striker.
SUBS
Bernardo Silva: 6
Saw his shot blocked on the line after 30 minutes and was the likeliest candidate to carve open chances centrally.
John Stones: 6
Managed to keep Orient at bay as well and recycled possession well.
Kevin De Bruyne: 6
After losing possession twice in quick succession after coming on, the playmaker showed his class with a great run and finish. His impact served as a big reminder of what he is still capable of at the Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden: 6
Few bright moments after coming on, linking up play well in his favoured No. 10 role.
Abdukodir Khusanov: 6
Opened his City account in fortunate fashion. Seems to be settling into his new surroundings well, though his erratic nature is something that Pep Guardiola will be keen to iron out, charging into challenges needlessly - which drew some angry reactions from his manager.
This post has been edited by kjs86: Feb 12 2025, 08:21 AM
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howyoulikethat
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Feb 11 2025, 11:44 PM
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love to see Man City win, but unfortunately can't see how they can beat Real with the current poor form & morale
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kjs86
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Feb 12 2025, 02:39 AM
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New Member
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Ederson, Dias, Stones, Ake, Gvardiol, Akanji, Bernardo, Grealish, De Bruyne, Savio, Haaland
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kjs86
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Feb 12 2025, 08:10 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson – 5.5
The offside flag saved his blushes from conceding an early penalty, but he quickly sharpened up to keep out Mbappe and went on to make a number of other important saves on a busy night. Maybe could have held the initial shot before Diaz’s equaliser, and certainly shouldn’t have given the ball away cheaply in the build-up.
Manuel Akanji – 6
Caught ball-watching a little during Madrid’s spell of dominance at the start, before getting to grips with his role moving into the midfield and becoming a good outlet. Clamped Vinicius Junior too, but was forced off at half-time with a knock.
Ruben Dias – 7
Brought straight back in from injury to marshal City’s backline, and whilst the defence was far from airtight, Dias provided his usual determination and tough tackling. Desperately tried and failed to track back as they stole the win.
Nathan Ake – 6
Played sensible and risk-averse stuff in possession, and although he lost Mbappe for Madrid’s first equaliser, was solid in his first hour back from injury.
Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
Given license to roam from left-back as ever, and used it to be one of the game’s most prominent figures. Tracked back to defend and supported the attack, assisting Haaland smartly.
John Stones – 7
Could have buckled under the pressure of playing in lone defensive midfield, but seemed to revel in it and controlled proceedings. Even dropped into the backline to help relieve stress on them, not that it was enough.
Bernardo Silva – 6.5
Knows what games like this are all about, especially against this opponent, so this will hurt. Fought for every ball when out of possession, keeping it well too, but not having much threat.
Kevin de Bruyne – 6
Belayed his advancing years to run tirelessly for his team. Couldn’t quite produce his creative magic to force another goal or two though.
Savinho – 6
Never shirked his defensive duties, always tracking back against compatriots Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Didn’t have quite the same proficiency going the other way.
Erling Haaland – 7.5
Will have been hungry to prove his worth against one of the few opponents he has never notched against, and certainly did that. Refused to give the Madrid backline a moment’s rest and was prolific with his chances.
Jack Grealish – 6.5
A real shame that he had to be withdrawn inside half an hour, not just because of the faith shown by Pep Guardiola to throw him into this game off the back of very little gametime recently, but because he was very impressive in his control of the match and significant contribution to City’s opening goal.
Substitutes
Phil Foden – 7
Played with some freedom and sprayed the ball around from his right-wing berth. Quality play to win the penalty.
Rico Lewis – 5
Recovered from a rocky first duel with Vini to largely shut him down. Wasn’t sharp enough to clear the ball away for their winner.
Mateo Kovacic – 4
Unfortunately, his telling contribution was a terrible giveaway to allow Madrid in for the win.
Ilkay Gundogan – N/A
Omar Marmoush – N/A
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kjs86
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Feb 12 2025, 08:11 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson: Big saves from Mbappe and Bellingham at dangerous parts of the game and his distribution helped City to score. Could have done better with the second. 8
Akanji: Used at right-back and came up with his best performance in a while, making a number of crucial blocks and hitting the bar at the other end. 8
Dias: Didn't let much past him as he crunched into every tackle. Also protected the ball when City won the penalty. 8
Ake: So good for so long, blocking Mendy's goalbound effort. His legs ran out though and he played Mbappe onside. 7
Gvardiol: Cool under pressure and did brilliantly for the first goal. A massive performance when called upon. 8
Stones: How City wish he could be fit to do this every week. Magnificent in the Rodri role and then shrugged off Mbappe when he moved back. 9
Silva: Did what he has done for much of the season ticking things over, although this time everyone around him was brilliant. 7
De Bruyne: Some direct attacks that worried Real, with his passing into the box also a nuisance. 7
Savinho: Ran as hard as he could as often as he could, slaloming between Real players. 7
Grealish: A night cruelly cut short but he made a decisive impact before injury, with a terrific cross that created the opening goal. 8
Haaland: Two goals, a big part of the build-up for the first and plenty of defensive work. Real will wish they had him instead of Mbappe. 9
Substitutes
Foden (for Grealish, 30) Frustrated Guardiola at times but his skill won the penalty. 8
Lewis (for Akanji, 46) Given a torrid time defensively but battled and made his mark. Mistake for the winner though. 5
Kovacic (for Ake, 61) Helped City to win back control of the game, but a loose pass that Lewis didn't deal with. 6
Marmoush (for De Bruyne, 84) No time
Gundogan (for Savinho, 84) No time
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kjs86
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Feb 12 2025, 08:13 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson (6/10):
Spoiled an otherwise excellent display with a poor kick that led to the second equaliser, as he also pushed Vinicius' shot straight to Brahim. Before then he had responded to everything Madrid threw at him aside from Mbappe's freakish goal and was super-quick out of his goal to sweep up the danger while being courageous in possession.
Manuel Akanji (6/10):
Alert to Madrid's danger, deflecting Vinicius' shot onto the bar before then making a big tackle from the resulting corner. Headed against the woodwork at the other end, but had to come off at half-time with an injury.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
A strong, combative performance at the back, leading his fellow defenders through a daunting test against this world-class attack. But it could not last and he lost the ball leading to the second equaliser.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Did a good job containing Mbappe before being taken off for Kovacic.
Josko Gvardiol (9/10):
Outstanding at both ends of the pitch. Charged into tackles and repeatedly won them while he was lethal in attack, providing a threat with his passes from deep and then acting like an auxiliary striker, laying the ball off to Haaland for the goal.
Kevin De Bruyne (5/10):
Didn't really get involved in the game and couldn't spark much danger.
John Stones (8/10):
For much of the game played like it was 2023 again, marauding all over the pitch and showing plenty of courage in possession. But right at the end he lost the foot race with Bellingham.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Worked hard to try and keep Bellingham at bay and it paid off for much of the game.
Savinho (6/10):
Put in a shift defensively and sacrificed his usual creativity.
Erling Haaland (8/10):
Delivered a statement performance against a top European opponent, demonstrating excellent hold-up play in addition to his two spot-on finishes and striking the bar. A shame it amounted to nothing in the end.
Jack Grealish (6/10):
His surprise but fully deserved inclusion in the line-up bore fruit when he helped set up the opening goal, but he soon succumbed to familiar injury problems and had to be withdrawn on the half-hour mark.
Subs & Manager
Phil Foden (6/10):
Wasn't as useful as Grealish in possession, but won the penalty after deceiving Ceballos.
Rico Lewis (4/10):
Struggled to live with Madrid's pace on the counter, with Vinicius and Bellingham getting past him but not scoring. Paid a heavy price for lack of concentration when he gifted Vinicius the ball in the build-up to the winner.
Mateo Kovacic (4/10):
Cumbersome in possession and lost a couple of 50/50s. Didn't sense the danger for Madrid's second equaliser.
Omar Marmoush (N/A):
Came on in the 84th minute and his difficult start to life with City continued as he watched in horror as his side collapsed.
Ilkay Gundogan (N/A):
Brought on in the 84th minute and in that short space of time City fell apart.
Pep Guardiola (5/10):
It was all going so well. He reverted to similar tactics to the treble-wining season by deploying Stones in midfield and starting Grealish, but must take some of the blame for the last-gasp capitulation, particularly his late double-change when City needed consistency to see the game out.
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kjs86
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Feb 12 2025, 08:16 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson - 5/10 At 1-0, he had to keep his wits about him, as Real Madrid still had enough attacking quality to make his life difficult.
Nathan Ake - 6/10 Dispossessed by Rodrygo in a dangerous area that nearly led to a Madrid equaliser, but stood firm most of the time.
Manuel Akanji - 6.5/10 Looked to have injured his groin late in the first-half. This was confirmed when he did not come out for the second-half.
Ruben Dias - 6.5/10 City needed his experience as they limped towards the full time whistle looking somewhat short of energy.
Josko Gvardiol - 8/10 Showed several lovely touches in attacking areas for City, as well as being diligent in his defensive role with some excellently timed tackles.
John Stones - 7/10 Competent and confident on the ball as ever, Stones looked to give his side the impetus in possession.
Bernado Silva - 6/10 Steady and solid if not spectacular, the Portuguese international always made himself available for the ball.
Savinho - 5/10 Was not really his night. Didn't do anything particularly wrong, but wasn't able to get in behind Madrid as often as he would have liked.
Kevin De Bruyne - 6/10 Although not at his electric best, he still hinted at moments of brilliance. Although looked short of energy as the game drew to a close.
Jack Grealish - 7/10 Showed his class with a quality ball dinked in into Gvardial, who cushioned it to Haaland to open the scoring. Had to come off after 30 minutes due to injury.
Erling Haaland - 8/10 Broke his duck against Real Madrid with a well taken goal. Was also effective at the other end of the pitch when it came to defending corners. Had the nerve to step up and convert a City penalty to make it 2-1.
SUB - Phil Foden - 6/10 Came on for Grealish after 30 minutes, but wasn't able to make as big an impact as his City colleague.
SUB - Rico Lewis - 4/10 Came on at half-time for Akanji and looked busy and lively at first, but made errors late on.
SUB - Mateo Kovacic - 6/10 Came on for Ake to face his former side.
SUB - Ilkay Gundogan - 5/10 Came on late as City collapsed.
SUB - Omar Marmoush - 5/10 Came on too late to make an impression.
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kjs86
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Feb 12 2025, 08:20 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson: 5
Brought down Vinicius Junior in the penalty area 10 minutes into the game as the referee pointed to the spot. But City escaped as the forward was offside when the ball was played through to him. Made a string of fine saves but was beaten too easily for the goals and found himself in no man's land for the winner as he raced out of his goal and failed to get to the ball.
Manuel Akanji: 7
Defended gallantly alongside his defensive team-mates but didn’t return for the second half after sustaining an injury during the latter stages of the opening period. Was replaced by Rico Lewis.
Ruben Dias: 7
Was left in Vinicius Junior’s wake soon after Real were denied a penalty as the visitors almost opened the scoring through Kylian Mbappe. But stood up well to Real’s blockbuster stars and was key to City’s defensive efforts. Wasn't helped by his team-mates, however, as many of them capitulated.
Nathan Ake: 5
Made a crucial block during a frenetic period early on as Madrid had a string of opportunities to go ahead. But was dispossessed by Rodrygo in the closing stages of the first half following a poor touch as Real had the opportunity to draw level. And left Mbappe on his own in the box for the equaliser.
Josko Gvardiol: 7
Often takes up attacking positions and illustrated his prowess in the final third as he teed up Haaland for the first goal of the night. Made a great tackle on Mbappe in the second half and impressed with his physicality. But needed to galvanise the defence more.
John Stones: 6
Protected his side as he lined up in front of the back four. But City looked less stable when he dropped back into defence after Nathan Ake had been replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
Savinho: 5
Was quiet throughout the evening as he struggled to get into the match Didn't make anything happen in front of goal and needs to offer more.
Bernardo Silva: 5
Hasn’t got the legs to make the difference at the top level of the game anymore and will not be able to transform the Citizens team into Champions league winners for a second time.
Jack Grealish: 7
Won his side an early corner as he looked to get on the ball and cause Real issues. Then dinked a delightful ball into the box to Gvardiol as the Croatia international teed up Haaland. Was forced off with an injury just before the half-hour mark.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7
There certainly appeared to be plenty of urgency with Kevin De Bruyne in the side and he got his team moving in the right direction. Was heavily involved in City’s attacking play in the opening period and delivered sumptuous balls into the danger zone.
Erling Haaland: 8
Kept his composure when presented with his first big opportunity of the match as he notched his first ever goal against Real Madrid. Hit the crossbar with a thumping effort at the start of the second half and struck from the penalty spot to put City ahead for a second time.
Substitutes
Phil Foden: 6
Came on for the injured Grealish 30 minutes into the match after being left out of the starting line-up. Cut in from the right and fired an effort on goal shortly after being introduced to the action.
Rico Lewis: 6
Was brought on for Manuel Akanji. Allowed Vinicius Junior to get the better of him and whip a cross into the box in the early stages of second period. Halted the same player the next time they were one vs one. But wasn't brave enough with his challenge on Vinicius Junior as the Brazilian broke through to set-up the winner.
Mateo Kovacic: 6
Slotted in to the City midfield as his team capitulated.
Ilkay Gundogan: 6
Brought on late on to add some fresh legs and a bit of experience but couldn’t prevent Real’s equaliser or winning strike.
Omar Marmoush: 6
Real notched their second goal of the night moments after Omar Marmoush was introduced to the action. And then they bagged a third while the new signing was on the pitch.
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kjs86
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Feb 12 2025, 08:22 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
EDERSON - 6
Some great saves to keep City in the tie – but will be disappointed with the goals and ended up having a disaster.
MANUEL AKANJI – 6
Makeshift right-back did well against Vinicius but picked up a knock and did not reappear for second half.
RUBEN DIAS – 6
City much more solid with the Portuguese at the back but even he found it tough against Real Madrid’s rapid forwards.
NATHAN AKE – 6
Tough to be plunged back from injury in such a tough game. great tackle to deny Mendy certain goal and lasted.
JOSKO GVARDIOL – 7
Played his part in City opener and a wonderful tackle on Mbappe in second half.
JOHN STONES - 7
Pushed into midfield and It worked well but then dropped back in second half reshuffle.
BERNARDO SILVA - 6
Gave away the free-kick that led to first equaliser but could not fault his work-rate in the middle.
JACK GREALISH – 5
Surprise pick to start and played his part in opener but so unlucky to see his night ended by injury.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE – 6
Did not stand out like he has sometimes against Madrid but the skipper deserved his ovation.
SAVINHO – 6
Worried the visitors at times in the first half with his pace and directness but faded in the second half.
ERLING HAALAND – 8
Finally broke his duck against Madrid, hit the bar after the break and kept his nerve with the pen.
SUBS:
FODEN (for Grealish 30) 6
Won the pen and some nice moments.
LEWIS (for Akanji 46) 5
Painful ending for the youngster.
KOVACIC (for Ake 61) 5
Struggled to make an impact against old club.
GUNDOGAN for De Bruyne 86) 5
Not much chance to make impact.
MARMOUSH (for Savinho 86) 5
No time to impact the game.
This post has been edited by kjs86: Feb 12 2025, 08:22 AM
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kjs86
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Feb 12 2025, 08:23 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson-3/10: Up until the game’s final 5 minutes, Ederson was brilliant as he made several crucial saves. But then his poor clearance led to City’s collapse. Unfortunately, his poor final 10 minutes cost his team the game.
Manuel Akanji-6/10: Did all he could at right-back before being substituted at halftime due to injury. He had a tough time up against Vinicius Junior, but he did his job.
Ruben Dias-6.5/10: Did all he could at the back, but even his leadership couldn’t save his team from themselves.
Nathan Ake-7/10: Made several crucial blocks before being substituted. A good performance from Ake. His team faltered defensively when he went off the pitch.
Josko Gvardiol-7/10: A good performance from Gvardiol. Was dangerous in possession and defended well.
John Stones-8/10: City’s man-of-the-match alongside Erling Haaland. He dictated the midfield battle, and you could say the decision to shift him out of midfield cost his team dearly.
Kevin De Bruyne-5/10: Had moments and never stopped working but couldn’t affect the game as he would’ve liked.
Bernardo Silva-5/10: Tried hard as usual but didn’t have a big influence on the game.
Savinho-8/10: He gets such a high mark for his work all over the pitch. He didn’t have many moments going forward but his defensive work was superb.
Jack Grealish-6.5/10: Grealish looked set for a big game until injury struck. It was his ball that led to City’s opener and just as he gets a run of games his body let him down.
Erling Haaland-8/10: Scored a brace as he finally broke his duck against Real Madrid. He never stopped trying, and on another night, he could’ve won the game for Manchester City.
Substitutes
Phil Foden-7/10: Came on for Grealish in the first half and put himself about. Earned City a penalty which Haaland converted.
Rico Lewis- 4/10: I can’t judge Lewis harshly for Real Madrid’s third goal as Kovacic sold him up the river. Made a couple of crucial challenges.
Mateo Kovacic-3/10: He came on to try and give City control in midfield, but instead, he offered the exact opposite. His poor backpass/clearance gifted Real Madrid their third goal and that summed up his cameo off the bench. A poor display.
Ilkay Gundogan-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
Omar Marmoush-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
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TSps3 fanboy
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Feb 12 2025, 09:45 AM
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New Member
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farisq
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Feb 12 2025, 01:23 PM
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Still got 2nd leg...
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TSps3 fanboy
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Feb 14 2025, 08:50 PM
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New Member
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kjs86
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Feb 15 2025, 02:37 AM
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New Member
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Man City victory as Premier League sponsorship rules declared void
This post has been edited by kjs86: Feb 15 2025, 02:40 AM
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TSps3 fanboy
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Feb 15 2025, 01:02 PM
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New Member
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TSps3 fanboy
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Feb 15 2025, 11:54 PM
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New Member
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Marmoush on fire
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kjs86
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Feb 16 2025, 05:11 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson – 8
Provided an assist and was reliable when called upon in net.
Rico Lewis – 7.5
Useful in the transition and got back to defend when needed.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 7.5
Looked calm and confident on the ball. Looks to have settled now.
John Stones – 8.5
Lead the defence and was superb to stop the Newcastle attacks.
Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
Good on the ball on the left side. Always looked to go forward.
Ilkay Gundogan – 8.5
Great assist for the second goal and controlled the game.
Nico Gonzalez – 8
Worked really hard for the team and looked after the ball.
Phil Foden – 8
Always looked to create in the half spaces and make chances for the team.
Omar Marmoush – 9.5 (MOTM)
Scored his first hat-trick for the club and was remarkable for the whole game.
Savinho – 8.5
Didn’t have too much of the ball but was excellent when in possession. Great assist for the third goal.
Erling Haaland © – 8.5
Amazing hold-up play and it was nice to see him with the armband. Made life difficult for the defenders and got himself an assist.
Substitutes
Jeremy Doku – 7
Tried to add some pace into what was a dull second half.
James McAtee – 7.5
In the right place at the right time for his goal late in the game.
Matheus Nunes – N/A
Wasn’t on the pitch for long enough to make an impact but did okay.
Nico O’Reilly – N/A
Retained possession well in the last few minutes.
Mateo Kovacic – N/A
Controlled the ball to make for an easy last five minutes.
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kjs86
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Feb 16 2025, 05:13 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson: A record-breaking assist in the first half and a good enough stop from Miley in the second. 8
Lewis: Much happier with the pace of Khusanov inside him to cover when he went forward, he did a decent job of keeping Gordon quiet. 7
Khusanov: A few rash moments, although his recovery work was good. Anything back to the goalkeeper was lovely and firm. 7
Stones: Makes such a difference to the whole team when he is fit. No marauding in midfield but a rock in defence. 8
Gvardiol: One or two loose passes that put City into trouble, but they didn't prove too costly and he adds so much to the attack. 7
Gonzalez: Tidy, composed, controlled - everything City have been crying out for in that position. 8
Gundogan: Looks younger when he has less defensive responsibility and his drive earned him an assist for Marmoush's second. 7
Foden: Always looking to move the play on whether in or out of possession and pushed Newcastle at every opportunity. 7
Savinho: Brilliant against Lewis Hall for much of the game, and kept his cool to pick out Marmoush for the hat-trick. 8
Marmoush: What an explosive first half-hour to catapult the team to victory and set off his own City career. 9
Haaland: Was much happier without scoring than he was on Tuesday after scoring two. A handful all afternoon. 7
Substitutes
Doku (for Marmoush, 76) Lively on the left. 7
McAtee (for Foden, 76) Only Haaland and Foden have more goals than him now. 7
O'Reilly (for Haaland, 87) No time
Kovacic (for Gvardiol, 87) No time
Nunes (for Gundogan, 87) No time
Not used: Ortega, Reis, Silva, De Bruyne
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kjs86
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Feb 16 2025, 05:15 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson (7/10):
Notched his seventh assist for City and third of the season with a perfectly-weighted pass to Marmoush and his passing was spot-on throughout, making amends for his costly errors against Madrid.
Rico Lewis (6/10):
Gave City stability in midfield when he pushed up when they were in possession although still displayed some naivety with the ball, nearly gifting Isak a dangerous chance.
John Stones (8/10):
Superb with the ball and without it. Frustrated Isak twice in the first half while he was tidy in possession throughout.
Abdukodir Khusanov (7/10):
Had a trouble-free afternoon after his horror debut, keeping Isak and Gordon quiet.
Josko Gvardiol (6/10):
Created a good chance for Haaland down the channel although gave away a big opportunity to Isak with a careless pass, forcing Stones to cover for him.
Nico Gonzalez (8/10):
A superb home debut, holding the midfield together with seamless, thoughtful passing.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
Was expected to have a tough time against Guimaraes and Tonali but held his own and set up the second goal with a delightful pass.
Phil Foden (6/10):
Some bright moments but ultimately took a backseat in the win.
Savinho (8/10):
At his electric best. Showed he meant business when he hared towards goal early on only to be thwarted by Hall. Had his revenge by embarrassing the left-back to set up the third goal after getting the pre-assist for the second.
Erling Haaland (7/10):
An early chance was spoiled by a heavy touch and he had few sightings of goal but his selfless movement drew Newcastle defenders towards him and helped get the best out of Marmoush. His flicked header set up McAtee's crowning goal. There was some concern when he hurt his knee and came off towards the end but, encouragingly, he was able to walk off the pitch.
Omar Marmoush (10/10):
This was the day he arrived. Fired an early warning shot over the bar and his finishing was flawless from then on. His first and third goals showcased his delicate first touch while he moulded control and ruthless finishing together for his second.
Subs & Manager
Jeremy Doku (5/10):
Ran into a couple of blind alleys.
James McAtee (7/10):
Collected his sixth goal of the season with an instinctive finish.
Mateo Kovacic (N/A):
A late addition from the bench.
Nico O'Reilly (N/A):
Got three minutes from the bench.
Matheus Nunes (N/A):
Brought on in the 88th minute.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
The perfect performance in response to the late collapse against Madrid and a rallying cry ahead of the second leg.
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kjs86
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Feb 16 2025, 05:16 AM
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New Member
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Player Ratings
Ederson-9/10: He only had one save to make, but his assist for City’s opener was Ederson at his best. The very best respond after a poor performance or error, and Ederson did just that.
Rico Lewis-7.5/10: Did his job well in possession and defensively.
Abdukodir Khusanov-8.5/10: Manchester City have a serious player on their hands in Khusanov. He defended well and was good in possession.
John Stones-9/10: Stones was brilliant. Whether it was in possession or when he had to defend he led the way at the back. His leadership was crucial to City’s win.
Josko Gvardiol-8/10: As per usual, Gvardiol was brilliant whether it was defensively or going forward. He is a Rolls Royce of a footballer and that was on full display today.
Nico-10/10: He put in a performance that showed exactly what Manchester City have lacked since Rodri’s injury. A brilliant showing from the Spanish midfielder.
Ilkay Gundogan-8/10: The Manchester City legend turned back the clock today with a quality display. You could tell that having Nico in midfield brought out the best in Gundogan.
Phil Foden-8/10: Foden played one of his best games as a pure midfielder in a high-stakes game for his team. He did the simple things well, and that did stand out before he was substituted.
Omar Marmoush-10/10: Scored his first Manchester City hat trick and showed exactly why City were so eager to sign him in January. Marmoush announced himself to the Premier League today with a superb performance.
Savinho-9/10: The Brazilian international was utterly devastating on the right wing. He tormented Lewis Hall all afternoon in a fantastic performance.
Erling Haaland-8/10: A proper captain’s performance from Haaland. He did all of the grunt work for his team and picked up an assist for McAtee’s goal. But his overall performance was brilliant.
Substitutes
Jeremy Doku-N/A: Not on long enough but was lively after coming on.
James McAtee-N/A: Grabbed a goal but wasn’t on long enough to give a proper score.
Nico O’Reilly-N/A: Not on long enough to mark but did put in a couple tough challenges.
Mateo Kovacic-N/A: Not on long to mark.
Matheus Nunes-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
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