Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-0 Girona (Friendly)

Manchester City returned to action with a comfortable 2-0 win over Girona at the Academy Stadium.

Early goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland settled the all-CFG clash, as Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez were also handed starts.

De Bruyne pounced on a defensive error from the Spanish side in the 4th minute, while Haaland was back amongst the goals after linking up with the Belgian in the 18th.

Girona did have numerous opportunities to score, hitting the woodwork twice and seeing a late goal disallowed for offside.

Manchester City return to competitive action on Thursday, hosting Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round.

Here is how we rated the players that featured during Saturday’s friendly against Girona at the Etihad Stadium.

Starting XI

Stefan Ortega – 5

Despite making several comfortable saves and keeping a clean sheet, Ortega misplaced a series of passes and made a glaring error in the first-half which Girona were unable to capitalise on.

Jadel Katongo – 6

Katongo looked incredibly comfortable and much like all the youngsters who featured, made a positive impression at the Academy Stadium.

Shea Charles – 6

Charles was also impressive and is one of several young players who will be hoping to potentially feature in the Carabao Cup squad on Thursday.

Morgan Rodgers – 6

Pep Guardiola will have been pleased with Rodgers’ performance and one wouldn’t be surprised to see the 20 year-old move out on loan in the January transfer window.

Sergio Gomez – 5

Some obvious rustiness expected, although question marks will continue to surround Gomez’s defensive capabilities after Saturday despite making some good forward runs.

Rico Lewis – 6

Lewis continues to impress after being afforded opportunities prior to the FIFA World Cup and one would expect to see him feature against Liverpool in midweek.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6

Gundogan returned to City after a disappointing World Cup campaign with Germany. The City captain will have been pleased to get 77 minutes under his belt ahead of the resumption of the season.

Kevin De Bruyne – 7

As well as scoring the opening goal and assisting the second, De Bruyne looked very sharp and lively at the Academy Stadium.

Riyad Mahrez – 6.5

Despite not scoring, Mahrez once again showed glimpses of his best form after a difficult start to the season. The Algerian will undoubtedly be looking to kickstart his campaign upon the restart next week.

Cole Palmer – 6.5

Another enjoyable performance from Palmer, who made a series of dangerous runs and continues to look more mature and confident in a City shirt.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

Back in action and back on the scoresheet for Haaland, though the Norwegian was replaced after an hour and did show some signs of rustiness.

Substitutes

Carlos Borges – 5.5

A slightly underwhelming substitute appearance from Borges who seemingly struggled to take his imperious form for the EDS side into this friendly fixture.

Oscar Bobb – N/A

Alex Robertson – N/A

Rowan McDonald – N/A