9/10 for MOTM Kevin De Bruyne; Mahrez, Sterling impress

12/06/2020 Ghana



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Kevin De Bruyne was the star of the show, while Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez also impressed when Manchester City beat Fulham 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

It was practically one-way traffic from kick-off when Raheem Sterling forced Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola into action just three minutes before finding the back of the net a couple of minutes later after Kevin De Bruyne played.

Manchester City continued to pressure the Cottagers, but a combination of Areola’s impressive goalkeeping and a sloppy finish meant the Cityzens were unable to increase their tally. However, that changed in the 25th minute, when Sterling won a rather light penalty, which De Bruyne calmly converted to make it 2-0.

After the halftime break, Fulham came out with renewed purpose and showed much more intention than in the first period, which means Manchester City were unable to create as many chances as they did in the first. However, the visitors themselves never threatened in attack while Pep Guardiola’s men endured a comfortable victory at home.

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This is how we rate the performances of the Manchester City stars in the afternoon at the Etihad.

Ederson Moraes: 6/10

He did very little throughout the game, with Manchester City controlling the game from start to finish. A lack of communication with John Stones in the first half caused a moment of nervousness. A spectator for most of the match, although he had to make a save to deny Ivan Cavaleiro in the 76th minute.

Joao Cancelo: 7/10

He spent the entire first half hidden in the Fulham half and worked well with players like Riyad Mahrez and De Bruyne, creating chances and aiming for goal himself on one occasion. A bit reserved after the break with Fulham playing with more intent. However, he hardly has any problems in the back. He finished the game with a key pass and four interceptions.

John Stones: 7/10

Another outing ahead of Aymeric Laporte and the English international returned the faith with another pretty solid performance. The single moment of misunderstanding with Ederson aside, Stones just missed the day. He helped develop the game from behind, losing just three of his 109 passes attempted (97% accuracy).

Ruben Dias: 7/10

He made a major block early in the game after Ademola Lookman looked to shoot at Manchester City’s goal. The Portuguese was always there in the right place at the right time to put out any danger, while keeping things moving with his step. He continues to show why he has become an indispensable member of Guardiola’s side.

Benjamin Mendy: 6/10

A fairly moderate outing for the Frenchman who didn’t put himself through much defensively, although there were a few occasions when he was caught in position and dribbled by an opponent five times, the highest score of the game. It is also not as influential in attack as it usually is.

Rodri: 8/10

An action-packed performance by the Spaniard, who swept everything in his way, making three tackles and four interceptions, while also influencing the offensive side. He pushed forward whenever he got the chance and played on a couple of key passes. I enjoyed a brilliant 93% passing success rate. It was key to Manchester City controlling procedures the way they did.

Ilkay Gundogan: 7/10

He may not always stand out on the field, but the German international was discreetly effective, keeping Manchester City running in the middle of the park with his crisp and precise layout. He had the most touches on the day (130), attempted the most passes (116 – 104 completed) and at the same time made three successful dribbles and tackles each.

Riyad Mahrez: 8/10

The Algerian international may not have been able to repeat his exploits from last weekend against Burnley, but he was still a major threat with his silky touches and sharp footwork. He set Sterling up for two brilliant opportunities in the first half, the second particularly highlighting, a handsome chip on the Fulham defenders. He created another good chance for De Bruyne in the second.

He finished the game with five key passes, the most of any player on the day and would have had at least a couple of assists if his teammates were more clinical.

Kevin De Bruyne: 9/10

Manchester City’s MVP, as always. He ran the show from the center, carrying the ball with determination every time it was in possession. De Bruyne prepared Sterling for the opening goal with a perfectly weighted pass before making it 2-0 from the point. He had a deflected shot saved between those two moments.

He helped Manchester City control procedures so effectively by leading the press from the front as he completed six tackles, the most of any player on the day, while also making two key passes and two successful dribbles. He should have scored his second after the break, but he hit the wood and Areola stopped him again.

Raheem Sterling: 7.5 / 10

He could easily have had a hat-trick in the first half if it weren’t for Areola’s good goalkeeper, although he could have been better with his shot. He tested the Frenchman early in the game before beating him with a good effort for the opener.

He won the penalty that led to second, though he fell too easily after there was minimal contact from Joachim Andersen. A first shot after being set up by Mahrez saw Areola make a blind save to deny it. Submitted after the break.

Gabriel Jesus: 6/10

The Brazilian was sharp throughout and worked hard as always, bonding well with his teammates in the last third. But he could not threaten Fulham’s goal. He created an opportunity for De Bruyne from which he hit the bar.



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