Danilo shines again as Blues blow away Hammers: Man City Player Ratings vs. West Ham (Friendly)

For the second time this week, City registered a 3-0 win against a London club, as they saw off West Ham in positive fashion. This being the last friendly before City’s trip to Sussex next weekend, we got an eye for what is likely to be something similar to how we will line up. It remains three in three, for the three at the back, which is a pleasing sign, as we played a brand of brilliantly fast football.

Ederson – 7.5

As I have been in the other pre-season games, I was very impressed with Ederson this afternoon. He made a risky call in the first half to rush out, but that proved to be the right decision. What I like most about him is he looks commanding, and mature beyond his years, as he came charging for crosses and also closing down strikers. He was lucky late on when he put Mangala under some pressure, so maybe needs to learn to put his foot through it at times.

Danilo – 8 (Man of the Match)

Following a lackluster pass from Joe Hart, the Brazillian wing-back pounced on the ball, ultimately leading to a goal. This was his best of many bright moments in the match, as he nearly scored following a brilliant off the ball run. The energy Danilo, and the other new full backs bring, is what we have missed for years.

John Stones – 6

Stones played in the middle of a back three today and looked very comfortable. He sat slightly deeper than Otamendi and Kompany when in position, and this allowed them to dictate the play from deep. He had little to do defensively.

Nicolas Otamendi – 6

Nico had little to do today, but looked very positive on the ball – spraying passes from left to right and visa-versa. In a back three, I think we will realise his true potential.

Vincent Kompany – 6

Dictating from deep early on, Vinnie was almost playing as a central midfielder. His passing range is improving by the game, and he looked solid defensively, with a number of good interceptions and clearances.

Leroy Sané – 7

Left wing back is not Leroy’s best, or favoured position – evidently. A couple of times he got caught napping as Zabaleta found space in behind him, but we can let him off as we know the Zaba overlap is one of the best in the league. Despite his defensive frailties, Leroy looked brilliant going forward – his quick feet left Zabaleta for dead more than once and he was very aware on the second goal to cushion the ball into David Silva’s path.

Yaya Touré – 6

Yaya didn’t really put a foot wrong in the middle today. Operating from his new, deeper role, Yaya can have a very good season as he has the ability to control play from deep.

David Silva – 7

He may look very different with his skinhead trim, but David is still the player we have grown to love. The Spaniard enjoyed some beautiful touches and one touch passing, and was at the heart of the second goal, with a stunning pinpoint cross. David should’ve got his name on the scoresheet, but for a great save from Joe Hart.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8

I won’t shy away from saying that if Kev stays fit, I fancy him for the Premier League player of the season this year. In this formation, he finds space to dart into and with his eye for a pass, he can win us games on his own. De Bruyne set up the first goal in typical fashion, and enjoyed some other positive moments.

Gabriel Jesus – 7

As he embarks on his first full season in England, Gabriel put in another promising shift. The youngster got himself on the scoresheet early on, as he demonstrated his ability to be in the right place at the right time.

Sergio Agüero – 6

Surprisingly it was a quiet afternoon for Sergio’s standards, but he was still in and around the goals. He scored the second goal with a nice dart off the ball, and could’ve had more, if he wasn’t forced to shoot from an angle.

Subs:

Bernardo Silva – 6

City fans finally got to see Bernardo play and we were treated to glimpses of what is to come. He made some clever passes into space, and nearly set up Sterling with a clever chip. I think it will take a week or two to get going for Bernardo, but I am excited for what is to come.

Fernandinho – 6

Fernandinho slotted into the back three when he came on, and had little to do. He didn’t put a foot wrong, and at age 32, Fernandinho is still important to this squad, down to his versatility.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6

I was impressed by Zinchenko today, as the Ukrainian looked sharp and quick when in possession. It seems hard to see him racking up first team football this season however, so a loan would be wise.

Eliaquim Mangala – 5

Mangala is one that continues to divide opinion amongst the fan base, and I can’t see that ending. He played at the left of the three, and made a few good interceptions and clearances. He got away with it a bit as he was fouled by Ayew when he was messing around with it rather than putting his foot through it (saying this, he did get stitched up a little). Whether he will stay remains a mystery.

Kyle Walker – 5

Kyle looked energetic on the right when he replaced Danilo, however he saw little of the ball so it is hard to rave about him too much. Despite this, he remains a very good signing.

Phil Foden – 7.5

Phil is a pleasure to watch. He has the knack that all good midfielders have – knowing exactly what he is going to do before he gets it. His first touch is excellent, and his passing range earns him the label of a ‘baller’. With Fernando sold, Garcia loaned and Delph looking likely to follow through the departure door, I wouldn’t be surprised if Phil is a regular on the bench.

Raheem Sterling – 7

A couple of fans are angry at Raheem’s lack of chances, but when called upon, he has done very well. He scored the third goal, which admittedly wasn’t the hardest goal to score, but I’ve seen him miss from a similar position more than once. He could’ve had another too, and showed off some impressive touches and dummies.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 6

Tosin didn’t really have much to do either, but looks a solid figure to have, as he towered to a header clearing a ball from a corner.

Brahim Diaz – 7

There is no doubting that Brahim is a raw talent that Pep Guardiola can bring on leaps and bounds. The youngster looked very bright and tricky when on the ball, and will receive plaudits for another positive performance. He found himself in some brilliant positions, but let the chances go begging, which is something he will be looking to improve.

Patrick Roberts – 5

Patrick is another player where I am not entirely sure over his future, but he is definitely a talent. Today, however, he lost the ball cheaply a few times. If he stays, I have confidence that he can make a difference.

2017-18 pre-season, city vs. west ham