Pep Guardiola began the English chapter of his highly successful managerial career at Manchester City with a far from impressive 2-1 victory over David Moyes’ Sunderland at the Etihad stadium last evening. Sergio Aguero opened the socring from the penalty spot four minutes into the contest after Raheem Sterling was brought down in the box by Patrick Van Aanholt. Despite taking an early lead, City struggled to create decent chances in the final third and that allowed the visitors to gain a great degree of confidence going into the second half.
The Black Cats got their just reward in the 71st minute when Jermain Defoe tucked the ball past Willy Caballero for the equalizer. The introduction of Tunisian Wahbi Khazri and Manchester United academy graduates Adnan Januzaj and Paddy McNair for Sunderland sparked a tense period for the hosts. It was the latter however, who made the difference albeit in an unexpected manner as he unintentionally diverted a Jesus Navas cross into his own net.
In terms of performance, it wasn’t the ideal start Pep Guardiola and his team would have hoped for but there were several talking points from the game nonetheless. Here is how the players fared at the Etihad:-
Willy Caballero (6/10): One of the biggest talking points before the game was the surprise inclusion of Willy Caballero ahead of England international Joe Hart. The Argentinian shot stopper kept Sunderland at bay with a crucial save towards the end of the first half and wasn’t overly tested thereafter. That said, he could have reacted quicker to Jermain Defoe’s strike which ended up in the back of the net.
Bacary Sagna (6/10): The former Arsenal fullback did not have too many problems to deal with on his flank and looked comfortable throughout the course of the game. Just another day in the office for the Frenchman.
John Stones (7/10): One of the biggest summer signings at the Etihad, Stones looked assured at the back and was rarely troubled till Sunderland’s equalizer. His composure on the ball was praiseworthy.
Aleksandar Kolarov (6/10): An unlikely selection at centre-back alongside Stones, Kolarov had precious little to do. Looked stable at the back and wiped out any feelings of trepidation that may have crept up when the team sheet was announced.
Gael Clichy (7/10): Found himself in a central role and added a bit of attacking flair to the team. With Guardiola known for experimenting with his defensive personnel at Bayern Munich, it won’t be surprising to see the fullback play in a more advanced position on the pitch.
Fernandinho (7/10): Arguably one of City’s best performers last season, Fernandinho put on a dogged display in midfield and was content to drop deep enough to be rendered a third centre-back. He is expected to link up with Ilkay Gundogan in midfield when the latter returns from injury.
David Silva (6/10): Following an underwhelming season under Manuel Pellegrini last year, Silva had an ordinary game and looked slightly devoid of ideas in the final third. These are early days though and the Spaniard will get better as the season progresses.
Nolito (7/10): Not a very impactful debut by the Spanish hitman but showed glimpses of his quality by turning Donald Love inside out on a couple of occasions. Could have had a goal with a curled effort from distance but it bounced wide of the far post.
Kevin de Bruyne (6/10): The Belgian international did not look up to speed with the game and did little to trouble Sunderland’s backline. It’s early days though and there is plenty to expect from him in the weeks to come.
Raheem Sterling (8/10): City’s best player on the pitch by a country mile, Sterling had a fruitful battle against Van Aanholt and earned a penalty with some quick footwork. He switched to the left hand side and gave rookie Donald Love a torrid time too. A sign of things to come, maybe?
Sergio Aguero (6/10): The Argentinian opened his account for the season with a penalty but rarely looked menacing thereafter. Not at his best right now.
Jesus Navas (7/10): Some reports suggested the arrivals of Nolito and Leroy Sane would push Jesus Navas close to the exit door at City. He did make an impact with his pace though and set up the winner, albeit the goal being ultimately credited to Paddy McNair.
Fabian Delph (6/10): The former Aston Villa midfielder got some minutes under his belt and had a decent outing.
Kelechi Iheanacho (6/10): The versatile Nigerian squandered an excellent opportunity to score late into the contest but looked eager and sharp.