Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City (Premier League)

Manchester City secured a vital three points on the road at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening, closing the gap with Arsenal to just two points.

Mikel Arteta’s side are next in action on Sunday afternoon travelling to Fulham, but a penalty from Erling Haaland has certainly put the pressure on Arsenal to pick up three points of their own.

After a largely uneventful first-half, neither side failed to break the deadlock, but Erling Haaland will have been the one player ruing a missed opportunity the most after sending an effort from seven yards over the cross bar after 28 minutes.

In the second-half, the Norwegian did get his goal, as he slotted home from the penalty spot after Ilkay Gundogan was fouled in the box.

Following a tiring evening’s work in south London, here is how we rated the individual performances of Manchester City’s players!

Starting XI

Ederson – 6

Nothing to do in the first-half or second-half.

John Stones – 6

Operated as the inverted full-back, but arguably not to the same effect as the likes of Rico Lewis. Nothing too much to offer in attacking areas, where Kyle Walker may have been more effective.

Manuel Akanji – 6.5

Gave the ball away cheaply on one or two occasions, but was more than defensively sound when called upon.

Ruben Dias – 6.5

Commanded the back-line well, but wasn’t called into action on too many occasions. Picked up a yellow card for a foul.

Nathan Ake – 6.5

Stellar performance as always from the Dutchman. Comfortable in possession, offering width when required, and defensively sound but did pick up a caution for a clumsily challange.

Rodri – 7 (MOTM)

Kept the ball ticking as always in the centre of the park, and hit Manchester City’s only shot on target in the first-half through a well struck volley.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5

Operating in the more advanced role, the German was solid when on the ball but offered very little in regards to chance creation. Alongside Bernardo Silva, the attacking midfield was extremely subdued. BUT: Won a crucial penalty, and you know the rest.

Bernardo Silva – 6

A very similar game to the aforementioned City captain. Replaced by Kevin De Bruyne shortly after City’s opener.

Phil Foden – 6

Held the width, but didn’t perform to the standard he had set in previous matches. Lost possession in various positions in the first-half. Replaced midway through the second-half shortly after a well-struck free-kick from close range.

Erling Haaland – 7

Another game where the Norwegian struggled to be found by his teammates, but when called upon for a 78th minute slotted home calmly.

Jack Grealish – 7

Possibly Manchester City’s Man of the Match if there was a goal contribution involved in his output, and one of the very few players who offered attacking intent and drive in attacking positions.

Substitutes

Julian Alvarez – 6.5

Created a huge opportunity for himself on 61 minutes, turning past his man but blazing an effort high and wide.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6

Made an important impact from the bench, playing a key role in killing the game by winning late free-kicks.

Kyle Walker – N/A