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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Man City player ratings vs Bournemouth as Foden brilliant and Gundogan good

Ederson

The Manchester City goalkeeper was calm when called upon, but in all honesty, this was a game where he was mainly a spectator. On the few occasions Bournemouth did venture forward, Ederson was equal to their efforts. 6

Rico Lewis

After a shaky start on his return to the starting line-up, Lewis never looked back after his crunching slide tackle made City's opening goal. From then he stood firm with some nice footwork, calm passing, and reliable positioning. 7

Ruben Dias

Another solid performance from Dias, who led the back three well, and even found himself in the left-wing position to force the error from Philip Billing for City's third goal that killed the contest. Maybe at fault for Bournemouth's consolation. 7

ALSO READ: Man City vs Bournemouth as it happened

Manuel Akanji

Some good interceptions, and while Dias was more involved, Akanji deserves credit for supporting Rico Lewis as Bournemouth targeted City's right early on. Akanji's awareness ensured City turned that wing into a strength and not a weakness to be exploited. 7

Nathan Ake

Returning to his former club, Ake was his usual self - although as the designated left-back in this system, he could offer a little more in attack. On a few occasions, moves broke down as Ake wouldn't drive and put a cross in. 6

Rodri

One shot from distance early on, and generally solid to allow Gundogan and Foden to go forward. Looked a little like a player who needs a rest - but even then he was solid and kept City ticking. 6

Ilkay Gundogan

Grew into the performance after a slightly sloppy start with two lovely balls to Foden for two goals. More encouragingly, he sought to try and get Haaland more involved, resulting in the first two goals. 8

Phil Foden

Recalled to the side for his 200th City appearance, Foden backed up Pep Guardiola's pre-match vote of confidence with a great run to set up Haaland for City's first and he grabbed an assist for their second. Gifted the chance for his goal, but a clinical finish nonetheless. Also involved in the fourth goal. 9

Jack Grealish

Not his most eventful game, aside from one early chance. This was his ninth start in succession and the left-wing spot seems to be his - although Foden might have something to say about that with his fine showing. 6

Julian Alvarez

In the 'De Bruyne' role, Alvarez is often picked to add more players in the box, and he was in the perfect place to score for the opener - and again when his shot was deflected in by Chris Mepham. 7

Erling Haaland

How often does Haaland silence the critics after a couple of quiet performances with a showing like this? Unlucky not to score as his effort deflected onto the bar for the first, he made no mistake for the second and was back to his dangerous best by not giving the defence a second of rest. 8

Kalvin Phillips (on 54)

By playing 35 minutes, Phillips almost tripled his Premier League minutes for the season, but still looked a little rusty - as a few late challenges showed. He should start in the cup this week to get more rhythm. 5

Sergio Gomez (on 54)

Gomez looked a bit more comfortable in midfield rather than left-back - but that's probably to be expected from a natural attacking midfielder. His position at Bristol City will be interesting after this experiment. 6

Riyad Mahrez (on 71)

Didn't really get involved, but he didn't need to. 6

Maximo Perrone (on 71)

Unafraid to get involved as he played behind Julian Alvarez in attacking midfield, Perrone was a surprise introduction. A promising cameo. 6

Kyle Walker (on 79)

Shored up the right and allowed Nathan Ake a standing ovation.

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