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#3 Vincent Kompany quietly impressive and needed to be
Occasionally playing with fire, Vincent Kompany crucially didn't get burnt on an evening where he was again put to the test and passed - despite a shaky start.
Ederson and Fernandinho's mistakes didn't exactly help the experienced Belgian's cause as he attempted to play out from defence or pass forward into space for teammates. Not least with a marauding Marcus Rashford battling with you for possession. It's easy to forget that Kompany, 33, has struggled with injuries and a consistent run of games for so long that he's only completed a full 90 minutes on five occasions in 2019.
Up against a determined United side eager to atone for their 4-0 thrashing by Everton last weekend, he needed to be sharp and a commanding presence at the back for his teammates. Although there were a few nervy moments, he came through unscathed and surprisingly did so with a booking for 81 minutes after committing a cynical blocking foul on Rashford as he attempted to advance beyond him in transition.
It was rough but necessary, considering he had overpowered the forward as they previously tussled again for possession just minutes earlier and went unpunished. It was equally the type of foul he's content to commit if he feels threatened enough by an opposition attack.
He didn't shy away after the caution, instead standing tall to lead by example alongside Aymeric Laporte at the heart of City's backline. He completed three tackles, two clearances, one block and aerial duel won to accompany his 98 touches and 89.7% passing accuracy. Quietly, he delivered a real captain's performance and although he's not a regular starter under Guardiola, has proven time and again that he's dependable in big games like these.
