Fernandinho a rock as Stones and Laporte continue to shine: Man City Player Ratings vs. Tottenham – City Watch

Manchester City had to battle Tottenham and a challenging Wembley pitch tonight to come away with an important away win over Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Riyad Mahrez’s sixth minute goal separated the teams, but both City and Spurs should have found the net later in the game.

Here’s how we rated the Blues as they returned to the top of the Premier League.

Ederson – 7

Confident as always in his box and made a massive save following a mistake by Laporte to deny Harry Kane. Another clean sheet for the Brazilian and it’s now six shut-outs on the bounce in league games for City. He also played a part in City’s goal with a long pass.

Kyle Walker – 5.5

Always available to receive the ball, but Walker looked temperamental and a way off his best against former club Spurs. His highlight was an impressive run up the pitch but his disappointing final ball to Aguero killed it off.

John Stones – 7.5

Another good performance by the England defender, who is confident and aggressive – he’s come a long way from his timid first season at the Etihad.

Aymeric Laporte – 8

Laporte did make one potentially costly mistake, allowing in Harry Kane, but Ederson spared his blushes. Otherwise an excellent night at the back for Laporte, who made 7 clearances and 3 interceptions. His partnership with Stones is developing nicely and they dealt with much that was thrown at them.

Benjamin Mendy – 3.5

On a night of decent to good performances for City, unfortunately Mendy’s was quite the opposite with his first half in particular not easy to watch. Shaky moments and big mistakes could have cost City, but others mopped up. The best we can say about Mendy tonight is he was involved in some nice link-up play, but he can do much better than this.

Fernandinho – 9 (Man of the Match)

An absolute behemoth in the first half, all over the pitch and mopping up for others, including Mendy. A little less active in the second half, but it was a commanding overall display by the 33-year-old.

Bernardo Silva – 7.5

He really is easy on the eye, gliding across the pitch much like the other Silva, always linking up with other players and contributing to City’s elaborate attacking play. But beyond that, his work rate off the ball and defending is vital for the team.

David Silva – 7.5

After two outstanding performances, Silva was again impressive but maybe not quite as the same level as his last couple of performances. Slick with the ball, but should have pulled the trigger when yards out from Hugo Lloris’ goal.

Riyad Mahrez – 7

Two goals and one assist in his last three appearances prove that the Algerian is now producing for City. Pointed to the sky after his 6th minute goal in tribute to the late Leicester owner after he passed away in a helicopter crash at the weekend. Started the game well but less influential later on and his mistake led to what should have been Spurs’ equaliser, which Lamela made a mess of.

Raheem Sterling – 7.5

Great work to create City’s opener, pouncing on a mistake from City old boy Kieran Trippier. He was a constant menace although might have done better on one or two occasions.

Sergio Aguero – 6

Kun has a fine goal scoring record against Tottenham but couldn’t add to his tally tonight, despite a couple of good chances. Really should have gotten his name on the score sheet after being set up by David Silva. Replaced by Kevin De Bruyne after 70 minutes.

Subs:

Kevin De Bruyne – 6

Noticably below his best, looking a little sluggish and rusty. Despite that, we saw a couple of nice passes from the Belgian, who is working his way back to peak condition.

Vincent Kompany – N/A

Thrown on at the end to help see off a late rush from Spurs.

Gabriel Jesus – N/A

After his midweek start against Shakhtar, Jesus had very little time on the pitch at Wembley.