How Manchester City's players rated during their 4-0 loss to FC Barcelona

By grvadmin

Manchester City had a poor night in the Champions League at the hands of FC Barcelona. Pep Guardiola’s return to his old club was an extremely unhappy one, which was a real shame for the fans of the Premier League. We’ve decided to rate City’s players during their performance, and I warn you, one player comes in for some extremely heavy criticism.

Claudio Bravo – Although the City new-boy made some decent saves in the first half, it was his error that practically ended any hopes Pep Guardiola’s team had of getting something out of the game. He rushed out, made a huge error and then handballed outside of his penalty area which unfortunately meant he rightfully saw red. 1

Pablo Zabaleta – 

John Stones – Had a golden chance to draw City level with a header. As the game wore on, his performance deteriorated and he played way too many loose passes in the second half. Top talent, but had an off-night. 4

Nicolas Otamendi – It sounds daft, but the Argentine had a pretty good game for the most part. However, he cynically brought down Lionel Messi in the second half to concede a penalty which would’ve disappointed his manager. 4

Aleksandar Kolarov – His positioning defensively was all over the show, and he gave the ball up far too easily.  3

Fernandinho – Protected the back four brilliantly at times, and often got City moving in the right direction when on the counter attack. One of the most underrated players in England at the moment. 6

Ilkay Gundogan – Did well up against the likes of Andres Iniesta and co. in the first half, but struggled as things wore on and he had to do that extra workload. 4

David Silva – Nowhere close to his silky best this evening which was a real shame. At times, he found himself playing in that false nine role which really doesn’t suit his game. 4

Raheem Sterling – Grew into the game, and forced the referee to send off Mathieu with an excellent burst of pace. If City had eleven men, he would’ve threatened even more. 5

Nolito – Looked menacing on the counter attack throughout the first half, but faded to start off the second. Subbed off when Bravo saw red. 5

Kevin De Bruyne – What an outstanding player this man is. His side were struggling, and De Bruyne stepped up and tried to keep going and drag City back into things. The movement of the Belgian is truly exceptional, and he always picks the correct pass. 7

Subs:

Gael Clichy – Came on and was largely on the defensive. Clichy is normally so good in an attacking sense, but he just wasn’t allowed to do that due to his side playing with ten men. 5

Willy Caballero – Brought on after Bravo was sent off, and when City are a man down, you know it’s going to be a long evening. He couldn’t really do anything to prevent that. 5

Sergio Aguero – Not enough time to mark.

Manager:

Pep Guardiola – FC Barcelona were there to be got at this evening, and Pep Guardiola opted to play without a striker. You feel that if he was brave enough, City could well have taken at least a point out of this, and it must’ve been a real shame for the travelling fans. 4

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