Manchester City scored an easy win at the Stadium of Light as they defeated bottom side Sunderland 0-2 on Sunday evening.
Goals from the resurgent Sergio Aguero and the talented Leroy Sane on either side of half-time were enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to return home with three points. The home team offered no threat whatsoever going forward and tested City goalkeeper Willy Caballero only on very few occasions.
The win saw City move within eight points of leaders Chelsea, who will be playing West Ham United on Monday night. Here are the player ratings for the Manchester City stars from the evening:
Manchester City Player Ratings
Willy Caballero – 6/10
It was a quiet evening for the Argentinian shot-stopper. Apart from making two smart saves from Sebastian Larsson and Lamine Kone, he had very less to do.
Bacary Sagna – 6/10
Wasn’t troubled much defensively by the struggling Fabio Borini. Did not get forward much either and preferred to stay back in his own half.
John Stones – 7/10
He is steadily growing into the player that everyone believed he could become under Guardiola. Won almost all of his challenges and showed good control and distribution from the back.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 7/10
Slotted alongside Stones, but did not have much to do. Always looked to press higher up and acted as an extra man in the midfield. Was impressive with his passing.
Gael Clichy – 6/10
Clichy did not have a lot to do defensively, owing to Sunderland’s struggles going forward. However, he defended doggedly on few occasions when Adnan Januzaj posed a threat.
Fernandinho – 7/10
Put in a strong display in the middle of the park, giving City the control of the midfield. Astute while defending and used the ball well.
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
Did very well to set up Aguero for the opener with a low pass at the near-post. But on plenty of other occasions, the quality of his end product wasn’t up to the mark. Not his best display.
Yaya Toure – 7.5/10
A powerful presence in the midfield for City. Charged forward with energy and it was his surging run from City half that led to the opener. Put in his shift defensively as well.
David Silva – 8.5/10
Came close to scoring in the first-half. Post the restart, he was simply masterful. Controlled the game beautifully, ran the show for City. He set up Sane’s goal as well. The lynchpin for City in the midfield.
Leroy Sane – 7.5/10
Did nothing to harm his growing reputation. Showed great footwork and attacking intent on the left, almost teed up Silva following some great piece of work. Scored the second goal which went in off the post.
Sergio Aguero – 7/10
Made a lovely run, before beating Kone for the opener, that took his tally to five goals in the last three games.
Substitutes
Kevin De Bruyne – 7/10
Replaced Toure in the 77th minute and continued where his teammate left off. Broke forward with pace.
Nolito – N/A
Came on for Sterling in the 81st minute. Looked dangerous, but not enough time to make an impact.
Fabian Delph – N/A
Came on to replace Sane with less than five minutes left to play. Not enough time to mark.