Manchester City
Claudio Bravo – 6.5/10
The Chilean goalkeeper showed good reflexes to deny Llorente from close range in the first half but could do nothing about Swansea’s goal. He did show his footwork and distribution throughout the game and was strong in corners as well.
Bacary Sagna – 6.5/10
Sagna put on a good shift for City but had mixed results. The right-back picked up an assist for Aguero’s goal but slipped in the other end of the pitch, letting Llorente score the Swansea goal.
John Stones – 7.5/10
The English centre-half had another assured performance as he grows into the role, shaking off last season’s dip in form at Everton. He was strong in his tackles and headers and smooth in his passing.
However, he could have done more for Swansea’s goal by closing in on Llorente quicker instead of appealing for offside.
Nicolas Otamendi – 7/10
The Argentine centre-half had a workman-like display beside Stones, strong in handling Llorente, winning headers at both ends of the pitch. His performances this season will definitely ensure Kompany does not slot into the side immediately when fit.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 6.5/10
Kolarov was deployed at his natural left-back position today after playing centre-half in the previous league game against Bournemouth. He never looked entirely comfortable against Routledge which pinned his attacking game and had an underwhelming display in defence as well.
Fernandinho – 8/10
The midfield anchor for City delivered a now-typical all-industrious performance, showing top awareness, winning balls and starting out attacks. It was his cross-field pass to Sagna that led to Aguero’s opener.
Fernando’s introduction in the second half allowed Fernandinho to venture further and he should have scored a couple of goals. He missed a free header off a Silva corner and then could not beat Fabianski one-on-one.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7/10
The Manchester City No.8 had a good game as he showed good understanding with his teammates in his linkup play, especially with Aguero, de Bruyne and Silva. He continues to improve his match fitness and already looks to be a top buy for City.
David Silva – 7.5/10
The Spanish wizard made a fine return to the side after missing last weekend’s game due to injury. His silken touch, exquisite dribbling, and vision was there for all to see. He would have seen a goal or assist to his name on another day.
He picked up a yellow card for showing dissent in the second half, due to the new refereeing rules in place this season for player behaviour.
Kevin de Bruyne – 7.5/10
The Belgian playmaker had a forgettable first half as he was deployed on the right wing and was thwarted by Naughton number of times. He grew into the game in the second half when shifted to the central position.
He started finding space and it was his battling ability that won the penalty leading to City taking the lead. He went off with what looked like an injury which will worry Guardiola.
Raheem Sterling – 7.5/10
The 21-year old winger gave Rangel problems throughout the afternoon and combined in a few slick moves for City without an end product. He, however, changed that with a beautiful solo goal, beating Rangel and passing the ball into the net to make the win conclusive for the Citizens.
Sergio Aguero – 8.5/10
Aguero made a fine return back from suspension with a magnificent first touch and finish for the first goal and a cool penalty for the second goal. He struggled to get into the game in the first half after his first goal as Swansea defended well but was much more involved in the second half.
He has now scored 11 goals in all competitions this season.
Substitutes
Fernando – 6/10
He came on to replace Gundogan and did well to shield the City defence and preserve the lead.
Pablo Zabaleta – NA
Zabaleta came on late into the game and shored up the defence.
Jesus Navas – 6/10
Navas came on for de Bruyne with 10 minutes to go and could have added a City fourth with a fine run and shot at goal.
