Full Time: Middlesbrough 2-2 Manchester City
Manchester City dropped two crucial points in the top-four race when they were held to a 2-2 draw by relegation battlers Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough were the better team for most parts of the first period and caused several problems for the City defence. And deservedly, it was Boro who took the lead when Alvaro Negredo bundled home with a thumping effort against his former team in the 38th minute.
Guardiola rung in the changes after half-time and substitute Leroy Sane made an impact when he won a penalty in the 68th minute, which Sergio Aguero slotted into the net with great composure to bring City back on level terms. Middlesbrough managed to regain their lead through Callum Chambers’ poked effort from close range eight minutes later. However, it wouldn’t last for long as Gabriel Jesus turned the saviour for City with a bullet header in the 85th minute.
City failed to capitalize on Manchester United’s draw earlier in the day and move just one point ahead of their cross-town rivals. They are level on points with Liverpool, but remain in the fourth position. Here is how the City players fared on the day:
Manchester City Player Ratings
Willy Caballero – 6/10
There wasn’t much he could do about Negredo’s opener, but should have done better with the second goal. Made a couple of decent saves in between.
Nicolas Otamendi – 4/10
Caught out of position for the first goal and could not recover in time. Booked for a vicious foul on Adama Traore. Looks a liability in a back-three.
Vincent Kompany – 6/10
Booked in the first-half after he barged down Negredo. But stood tall when needed and always looked to get his team going with his passes from the back.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 5/10
Was too slow to recover for Negredo’s goal. Was at fault for Chambers’ strike in the second-half. Not the ideal man to have in a three-man defensive system.
Jesus Navas – 5/10
Lacked the quality on the end product as he often struggled to beat the first man with his deliveries. Improved over the second period, but his performance left a lot to be desired.
Fernandinho – 5/10
An indifferent display from the Brazilian as he struggled to offer a shield for his defence while not contributing much going forward either.
Aleix Garcia – 6/10
Was neat and tidy in possession and kept City ticking in the middle of the park. Was taken off early in the second half, with City chasing the game.
Gael Clichy – 4/10
An extremely disappointing performance from the Frenchman. Offered very little going forward, despite having acres of space to run into. Left a lot of open spaces at the back as well.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6/10
Started the game off poorly as he gave away the ball on a lot of occasions. Improved in the second period and forced a save from Brad Guzan, but wasn’t at his belligerent best.
Sergio Aguero – 7.5/10
Tucked the penalty away in the second half to bring City back into the game. Set Jesus for the second equalizer late in the game. City’s most potent threat in attack by some distance.
Gabriel Jesus – 6.5/10
Was barely involved for long phases of the game as there was no service for him to feed off. But made the difference with a headed goal to salvage a point for his side.
Substitutes
Leroy Sane – 7/10
Replaced Garcia four minutes into the second period. Turned it around for City with his piercing runs. Won the penalty that Aguero scored from.
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
Came on for Gael Clichy in the 50th minute. Caused a few problems for the Boro defence. Booked.
Nolito – NA
Replaced Aguero in the injury time.