Manchester City cruised past struggling Bournemouth with a commanding 5-1 victory at the Etihad on Saturday.
City’s new signing Raheem Sterling was the man of the match as he claimed his first hat-trick for the Sky Blues. Wilfried Bony showed character in the absence of Sergio Aguero by scoring City’s other two, while Glenn Murray scored what proved to be nothing more than a consolation for his new club.
Manuel Pellegrini was forced to make a number of changes to his team due to the injuries to David Silva, Aguero, Aleksandar Kolarov and Vincent Kompany and will be glad about the way his team performed.
Manchester City
Joe Hart – 6: Did not have much to do throughout the game and was unfortunate to be beaten by the Cherries’ only shot on target due to a deflection.
Pablo Zabaleta – 7: Did extremely well to not only keep the ball in play but also to find his teammate in the box for City’s opener.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6: The Argentine continues to improve in his few appearances for City and a commanding defensive display will do him good. Still prone to a couple of errors but looks to get better with more game time.
Eliaquim Mangala – 6: Failed to close down Murray’s shot that led to Bournemouth’s only goal. Has not cemented a position in the starting XI but was given the opportunity ahead of Vincent Kompany who was deemed not match ready.
Bacary Sagna – 7: Contributed in attack with an assist to set up Bony’s first and City’s second and did well in a relatively unfamiliar left-back role.
Yaya Toure – 7: Showed fantastic strength and skill while on the ball. A no-nonsense performance from the Ivorian. Lasted only through the first half.
Fernandinho – 8: One of City’s most consistent performers this season and did not put a foot wrong with another clinical display.
Kevin De Bruyne 8: Showcased amazing vision and skill to put Sterling through for his second and dictated City’s attacking play throughout the game.
Raheem Sterling – 9: Stepped up in the absence of key players to score a brilliant hat-trick. Displayed calmness and composure in front of goal to silence his critics.
Jesus Navas – 7: Should have scored his side’s fourth goal but lacked the composure of Sterling in front of goal. Navas did well otherwise, assisting two goals.
Wilfried Bony – 8: Was crucial for him to perform in Aguero’s absence and duly delivered with two goals and assisting another. A good confidence booster for the Ivorian.
Substitutes
Fernando – 6: Replaced Toure at the start of the second half and was on-hand whenever needed.
Samir Nasri – 6: Replaced De Bruyne post the hour-mark to see out the victory with ease.
Kelechi Iheanacho – N/A: Late sub for Sterling, did not get too involved.
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