Manchester City 3-1 Aston Villa: Player ratings as Mahrez & Rodri excel
By Ivan Buss
Riyad Mahrez – 8
A goal and an assist in this one, what more could you ask for? The performance against Spurs was a bit of a blip in otherwise fine form for Riyad Mahrez. He was stuck to that sideline today to keep the width for City and has been a great pickup so far in FPL for me personally along with anybody else who managed to grab him ahead of this matchup.
Jack Grealish – 6.5
Jack Grealish earned the penalty that became the third goal for Manchester City in an otherwise decent performance. This was by no means a standout game for Grealish, but he continues to earn starts and grow into this team and system under Pep Guardiola. Perhaps should’ve had a goal in this one, his finishing still needs some work, however, he did test Emi Martinez and his overall impact on this team in games is improving.
Erling Haaland – 6.5
Haaland once again proves how little he needs to make an impact. Prior to his assist to Gundogan’s goal, it seemed as if he had only had a few touches of the ball, maybe only one. When given the chance, he latched onto a mistake from Chambers that dragged Emi Martinez out of position, and Haaland found an incredible ball right across the face of the goal for an easy tap-in for Ilkay Gundogan. Erling De Bruyne, it has a ring to it! Manchester City will be glad to see their top goalscorer getting involved in the score sheet from the other side of the final pass ahead of such a big game.
Subs
Julian Alvarez – 6.5
Shoulve recorded an assist, but Mahrez put a great touch well over the bar. Alvarez was brought on at halftime, but City was in cruise control by that point. Did manage one big chance for himself, however, Konsa was there to keep a back-post header out.
Manuel Akanji – 6
Brought on for Ruben Dias at halftime, and did not do himself any favors. Don’t think this was a great cameo for Akanji, but giving Dias rest ahead of Arsenal is incredibly valuable.
Phil Foden -6
Nice to see Foden back on the pitch after injuries and fitness issues, however, wasn’t massively involved in his 20 minutes.
Ake – N/A
Brought on late just to assure nothing more came of the game for Villa.