De Bruyne rises the occasion (again) as Sané and Delph impress: Man City Player Ratings vs. Shakhtar Donetsk – City Watch

Manchester City extended their winning run to seven games after professionally combating Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad on Tuesday night. Here are the ratings from a hugely satisfying result:

Ederson – 7

Had to tip a dangerous effort from Marlos round the post and clean up a threatening cross five minutes later. As for his distribution, faultless. Perfectly highlighted by his 70 yard sweep into space for Leroy Sané.

Kyle Walker – 7

Scrapped with the feisty, quick-footed Bernard all night and did well to mitigate the Brazilian’s threat. But sometimes struggled to contain Ismaily and Taison’s link up play. In the second half, we saw more of his telepathic understanding with Kevin De Bruyne down the right hand side.

Nicolas Otamendi – 7

Ferrerya was kept quiet by the Argentine’s presence all night. Aggressive in the air and composed on the ground, Otamendi also cleaned up when John Stones couldn’t.

John Stones – 8

The young Englishman’s confidence keeps growing and growing, as does his judgement. Any pressure put on him was swiftly and convincingly dealt with.

Fabian Delph – 9

Looked amazingly comfortable in his position, managing to contain Marlos who looked up for causing the Blues’ back four problems. He even managed to link up with Sané, utilising a Cruyff turn to open space for the German to run beyond. The former Leeds man kept on tackling, intercepting and even proved to threat on more than one occasion — warranting constant applause from the Etihad crowd.

Fernandinho – 7

Goal saving challenge inside the first quarter of an hour, consistently made superbly read one on one tackles as well as providing that extra option when City were pressing.

Kevin De Bruyne – 10 (Man of the Match)

Missed glorious chance to open the scoring, but attempted many marvellous through balls with just a bit too much weight on them. Guided a ferocious drive into the top corner for City’s opener, leaving the Shakhtar keeper with no chance. Thereafter, pin-pointing the Blues’ threat with ease. As well as setting a sitter up for Raheem Sterling, having linked up beautifully with Walker down the right.

David Silva – 8

Arguably the man of the first half, everything good from City came through the Spaniard. Dictating the play with neat little touches, turns and passes mid-way through the Shakhtar half. In the second half, his class also shone through — doing well to set up De Bruyne for his wonder goal and scooping a ball over the top for Aguero who should’ve scored.

Gabriel Jesus – 7

Worked hard until his removal, tracking back and helping out defensively when needed as well as attempting to unlock the away side’s backline with little link-ups.

Sergio Aguero – 7

A mixed night for City’s would-be record breaker. Missed a penalty and a chance to equal Eric Brook’s landmark whilst also failing to convert a sitter. However, he still tested the competence of Ivan Ordets regularly and only just missed out on a goal with a sweetly struck, misdirected effort from outside the area.

Leroy Sané – 9

Despite having a quiet first half —  bar breaking through the Shakhtar defence to place the ball just wide — the in-form youngster had a superb second period, firing two shots just past Pyatov’s posts and creating space for City’s second of the night. He constantly bombed down the left hand side looking to make something happen. Another stellar performance.

Subs:

Raheem Sterling – 8

Sealed City’s Champions League victory with a nicely taken placement into the roof of the net. Could’ve even had two on another day.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6

A nice little run out for Gundogan and Blues everywhere will be relieved to see him back on the pitch.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Came on late but set up the opportunity for Sterling’s second goal with a neat, disguised little through ball.

champions league, city vs. shakhtar