Man City player ratings v Brighton – Foden wows, 5/10 loses four of six duels
Manchester City boosted their title chances as they claimed a convincing victory over Brighton on Thursday (25 April).
Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring for the Citizens before a Phil Foden double was backed up by a Julian Alvarez strike to ensure they came away from the Amex with a 4-0 win.
The Premier League champions enjoyed 65 per cent of the ball and showed a clinical edge in front of goal in what was a scintillating performance on the south coast.
Football Insider has analysed the Man City stars out of 10 for their displays against Brighton.
PLAYER RATINGS
Ederson [8]
An assured performance from Ederson. The keeper made three saves throughout the game, two of which came from shots inside the box, helping him keep a clean sheet. While he only found a teammate with six out of his 13 long balls, the Brazilian still managed to record an 86 per cent pass success rate.
Kyle Walker [8]
A captain’s display from Kyle Walker. The marauding fullback laid on two assists, the first of which came when he played an inch-perfect cross into De Bruyne, who found the top corner with his header. The England international’s sliding tackle later in the game led to Alvarez slotting home for the fourth goal. He did a decent job overall of keeping Joao Pedro quiet despite winning only one of his four duels.
Manuel Akanji [7]
Manuel Akanji was a rock at the back for Man City. The defender made two tackles and one clearance, ensuring his side came away with three points and a clean sheet. He recorded a 96 per cent pass success rate after taking 104 touches of the ball.
Nathan Ake slightly unconvincing despite Man City win
Nathan Ake [5]
It wasn’t the worst performance from Nathan Ake, but he was perhaps the weakest of the Citizens’ defenders and looked a little bit shaky at times. The Dutchman won just two of his six duels, while he was also dribbled past twice. The centre-back did, however, record an exceptional 99 per cent pass success rate.
Josko Gvardiol [6]
He was lucky to not give away a penalty in the second half after appearing to bring Pedro down inside the box. But the defender – operating at left-back – won three of his four duels after making two tackles throughout the game.
Rodri [8]
As efficient as ever in the heart of midfield. Rodri was superb on the ball – recording a 96 per cent pass success rate – after completing all seven of his long balls. The Spaniard dominated proceedings and won four of his six duels to show he’s not just a pass master.
Mateo Kovacic [7]
Mateo Kovacic perhaps went a little bit under the radar while his teammates around him were receiving all the plaudits. The Croatian midfielder won two of his three ground duels, completed his only attempted dribble and made two key passes.
Bernardo Silva [7]
It was yet another evening where Bernardo Silva did a bit of everything for his side. He laid on an assist, having recorded a 94 per cent pass success rate, and made two interceptions. But the attacking midfielder did only win one of his three ground duels and was dribbled past once.
Man City show clinical edge against Brighton
Kevin De Bruyne [7]
De Bruyne handed Man City the lead with a superb header, the first of his career in the Premier League. But he was a little quiet by his standards, only touching the ball 47 times before being replaced later in the second half.
Phil Foden [9]
Foden is perhaps the best player in the Premier League at this moment in time. He backed that up against Brighton, scoring twice in the first half. The attacker also made three key passes and did his defensive duties for his side, making one tackle and one clearance in his 72 minutes on the pitch.
Julian Alvarez [8]
It was an excellent performance from Alvarez without Erling Haaland in the side despite only having 40 touches of the ball. The Argentine had six attempts on goal, but he eventually found the back of the net in the second half. He led the high press from the front, barely giving the Seagulls’ defenders an inch as they looked to play out from the back.
SUBSTITUTES
Matheus Nunes [6]
The game was already over when Matheus Nunes came on, but he played reasonably well in the final 20 minutes. The midfielder recorded a 96 per cent pass success rate and won his only ground duel.
Jack Grealish [5]
It was a pretty quiet cameo off the bench for Jack Grealish. The winger had just 13 touches of the ball and failed to complete any dribbles.
Jeremy Doku [N/A]
He didn’t have long enough on the pitch to make much of an impact, but the Belgian did have one shot on target.
Sergio Gomez [N/A]
Sergio Gomez was just brought on for the final 10 minutes to see the game out.
Rico Lewis [N/A]
Just like his fellow substitutes, Rico Lewis didn’t have enough time on the pitch to make an impact.
In other news, Man City could sell forward this summer in shock move.
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