I think it’s fair to say that City will go into the international break with some mixed emotions. Maresca will obviously be ecstatic to be three points clear atop the Premier League standings.
But I’m sure he’s just a little bit disturbed by how easy it was for Brobby to come and nick a hat-trick on their patch. Maresca was quite philosophical post-match, pointing out the fact that his side have won in a variety of different scenarios this year. In any event, here are my City player ratings for what was arguably the most entertaining match of the season to date.
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma- 5/10
To be fair, there was little that Donnarumma could have done with any of Brobby’s strikes, but the incessant flapping at crosses is becoming a bit of an issue. You would expect someone with his physical presence to be a bit more commanding in his own area.
RB: Matheus Nunes- 5/10
I think Nunes got a bit caught between going forward and providing cover for Dias and Guehi. Made a few decent runs and some good recovery tackles. But was caught fast asleep when Angulo snuck in behind before feeding Brobby.
CB: Ruben Dias- 4/10
This was by far Dias’ worst game of the season. Brobby’s physical presence disrupted the harmony of the centre-back combo, exposing Dias’ relative lack of athleticism. He was caught on his heels for Brobby’s first goal and always seemed to be 2nd to everything. A wondrous goal-mouth clearance made up for some of his broader incompetence.
CB: Marc Guehi- 5/10
Guehi showed his value in the attacking 3rd, setting up Semenyo for City’s 3rd goal of the afternoon. But he was also part of a defensive setup that leaked three goals. While not as glaringly complicit as Dias, he still didn’t anticipate Brobby’s danger as well as he could have.
LB: Josko Gvardiol- 7/10
This was a tough one. Gvardiol looked defensively shaky at times, caught out when trying to tuck into midfield. But he was also excellent going the other way, picking up a few key interceptions while driving City forward. Assisted Haaland’s killer 5th goal with a brilliantly timed cross that was oddly reminiscent of that controversial derby-day winner (minus the touch off Dorgu).
CM: Elliot Anderson- 7/10
Anderson’s incredible work rate was invaluable in a game that lost all sense of coherence. The dynamic English midfielder picked up plenty of scraps in the middle of the park and made more passes than any other player on the pitch.
CM: Enzo Fernandez- 7/10
Quickly becoming a fans’ favourite, the Argentine midfielder seemed to thrive in the madness. He curled in a devilish free kick to open the scoring, cleverly deceiving Roefs to register his first goal in City blue. Was often in the right place at the right time.
AM: Ryan Cherki- 7/10
Cherki looked like was going to have a generational game after the first 30 mins, using his trickery and guile to create City’s opener before calmly slotting home the 2nd. It just felt like his influence waned as the match went on.
LW: Antoine Semenyo- 9/10
The undisputed star of the show for City, Antoine Semenyo is exactly the man you want in a game that descends into utter chaos. His speed and strength were a persistent threat in the basketball-style match that ensued. Operated well in tight spaces, assisting Cherki’s goal before pouncing on some committed work on Guehi to make it 3-2. Created a bit of temporary breathing space with that opportunistic 2nd strike. He’s going to be a G/A demon this season.
RW- Illman Ndiaye- 6/10
A little bit underwhelming after his epic substitute appearance at Old Trafford. Was always a willing runner and did have some nice moments (notably teeing up Haaland in a breathtaking counterattacking move). But he lacked a bit of decisiveness in the final 3rd, and he wasn’t as defensively responsible as he was against United. He will probably make way for Doku when they travel to Anfield after the international break.
ST: Erling Haaland- 8/10
The goal-scoring phenom got that Tyne-side monkey off his back, arriving at the back post to score the crucial 5th and ensure that he has now scored against all 25 Premier League opponents. He also held the ball up well on several occasions, setting up counterattacks with his strength and underrated vision.
Subs
Jeremy Doku 73rd minute for Illman Ndiaye- 6/10
Doku’s brief cameo gave City fans a little glimpse of what they have been missing. It must be worrying for City detractors that they have started so well despite the Belgian maverick’s absence. He was direct and penetrative, playing a few defence-splitting pass in the build-up to Haaland’s goal.
Nico O’Reily 84th minute for Rayan Cherki- n/a
Almost scored with his first involvement but not enough for me to judge.
