Manchester City left it late on the day to steal three points against Swansea City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, finishing 2-1 winners, thanks to the two goals from new signing Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian was on hand after just 10 minutes to open the scoring with a poacher’s finish. But City were unable to make their first-half dominance count and were made to pay when Gylfi Sigurdsson fired into the bottom corner in the closing stages of the match. However, Jesus popped up in the 92nd minute to finish from close range to give his team the three points.
The win propelled City into the third position in the Premier League standings above Liverpool and Arsenal and gave Guardiola’s team the needed impetus as they look to seal their spot in the top four. Let’s assess how each City player fared on the day:
Willy Caballero – 6/10
Was a spectator for most of the match. Made one great stop to deny Sigurdsson from a set-piece, however, could have done better with his efforts to stop the Iceland international for the equalizer.
Fernandinho – 6/10
Slotted in at right-back and gave a good account of himself. Looked solid and sound, but did not threaten on the overlap. Could become a regular on the right-side of the defence.
John Stones – 6/10
Except for the half-hearted attempt to stop Sigurdsson’s strike, it was a solid showing from the former Evertonian. Crisp passing, good reading of the game and some important clearances.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 6/10
Was involved in a duel with Fernando Llorente throughout the game. Did well to come out on top against the Spaniard in aerial duels, looked comfortable in possession. However, did concede some sloppy free-kicks.
Gael Clichy – 5/10
Was bullied off the ball by substitute Luciano Narsingh in the build-up to the Swansea equalizer. Looks the weakest link in the defence for Guardiola’s side.
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
Ran up and down the right-flank and got into some good positions but the end product always seemed to be lacking. Booked for an unnecessary dive.
Yaya Toure – 6/10
Hit the woodwork from an excellent free-kick. Disciplined display in the middle of the park, responsible in possession and showed good work-rate.
David Silva – 7/10
Pulled the strings from the middle of the park. Did well to set up the opener with a lovely ball between Federico Fernandez’s leg. Also, assisted the winner late in the game.
Leroy Sane – 7/10
Tore Kyle Naughton apart on the Swansea right-side of the defence and posed a huge threat in the first period. However, seemed to fade as the game wore on.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6/10
Enjoyed a brilliant first-half, was a nuisance for the Swansea defence with his movement and link-up play. However, his level dipped after the restart and was eventually withdrawn.
Gabriel Jesus – 9/10
Quick, energetic and excellent with his movement off the ball. Scored the opener with an accomplished finish early in the game before sealing the three points with another close-range strike in the injury time. What a signing for City!
Substitutes
Pablo Zabaleta – 6/10
Replaced De Bruyne in the 78th minute and slotted in at right-back. Added solidity to the defence.
Sergio Aguero – NA
Came on in the 83rd minute to replace Sterling as City went chasing the game.
Fernando – NA
Late substitute in the added time to waste time.