Fabulous win, The kind of win that will get the players buzzing and give us the energy to see out the next few games. I didn’t think Villa played well at all. Defended well, yes, but incredibly poor in our final third but at times people tend to confuse a Grealish and Barkley running at defenders on a 3 on 2, mess it up and then call it good play.
Considering the conditions we played very well but could have made better decisions in the final third. Our midfielders are however playing at such a high level so its hard for teams to live with us.
Ederson: 7 – Again Had nothing to do except clutch a few snap shots. He will almost certainly make the least saves this season. Shouldn’t stop him from being goal keeper of the season although Emi Martinez has been very good.
Citizens 2 - 0 Villans : Player Ratings
posted on 20/1/21
Stones: 8 – As ever so crucial to our good build up play. Made some crucial set piece clearances and kept the Villa attackers honest. Was sure footed in the rain and made some crucial passes to start our attacks. Pep must love watching how we move the ball out of defence.
Cancelo: 10 – Is there a better Right back in world football? Such an incredibly talented player and some people called him a flop last season. Destroyed cash on the left, changes position and caused havoc from midfield running and beating players for fun and then switched to the right and had fun in the second half. Im struggling for City player of the season as we have so many but he is in my Top 5. He is the reason why teams cant handle our midfield at the moment. Amazing player.
Dias: 8 – Strange to say but our defence actually had nothing to do other than hold their positions when Villa had a few runs at them and make the odd interception. His desire to clean up meant he
Inadvertently intercepted a cross that was surely going to be put away by the Villa substitute.
Walker: 7 - Was surprised he started the match but Obviously Pep wanted him to keep an eye on Grealish. It worked until Grealish kicked him. After Cancelo’s attacking performance on the left today maybe they can play together.
Rodri: 8 – One of his better games and he keeps getting better. His positional discipline is excellent which is why Pep persists with him. Keeps growing in confidence and a crucial cog in our passing game.
Gundogan: 8 – would have been a 10 if not for some of his poor misses. He positions himself well and ran the midfield. Gets around the pitch and one of the best midfielders in the league. He has taken pur game up another level and its so good to see.
De Bruyne: 8- The guy should have had at least 3 easy assists today but sadly the guys up front couldn’t finish any of those chances. Still the best player in the league and maybe needs to be rested for the next 2 matches.
Foden: 9 – One of his best games and its amazing how naturally he has made the left side his own. Was outstanding throughout the match, stayed wide, gave us width and made some crucial runs and passes to Gundogan. Deserves his starting place and another player who has improved the team a lot.
Sterling: 7 – Okay game as he played well within himself but found KDB with some good long range passes. Still way of from his best form but still one of our better attackers.
Bernardo: 8 – In a game where we had to dig deep I was worried we wouldn’t have the kind of leader to force the ball over the line. But he is a leader and took his goal so well as the keeper had no chance. His game is still not there yet but always a battler and the type of of player you need in such games. Looked ineffective in the first half and a bit all over the shop but Pep persisted with him to good effect.
Substitutes
Zinchenko: 7 - Had a decent game, better than the last 3 as he kept it simple and tracked Traore quite well. Didn’t quite have the attacking impetus of Cancelo but who has.
Jesus: 5 – Poor first touch, decision making and all round not match ready. He looked off it in the last game and still not ready. Needs a proper run out in the FA cup.
Mahrez: 5- Another relaxed cameo with no urgency when we needed a goal. With him its either he starts well and goes on to boss the game or doesn’t turn up at all.
Substitutes Not used: Steffen, Torres, Mendy, Fernandinho, Garcia, Bernabe
posted on 20/1/21
VAR - 10
posted on 21/1/21
I thought some, a lot actually of Rodris passing was incredibly lazy last night. High floated balls out wide that demand a lot from smaller players like Foden, Sterling or Bernardo to retain possession. Wasn’t very impressed with him at all.
Gundogan was very good, but how he didn’t have a hat trick before we even got the penalty 😂
Foden, excellent.
Jesus looked really unfit.
Dias, Stones and the defence, all absolutely on it again.