Manchester City 1 Brentford 0: City player ratings as Haaland steps up when City needed him the most

Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City picked up a crucial three points with a 1-nil win over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium in a crucial Premier League meeting between the two sides.

After the 1-all draw with Chelsea at the weekend the result was more important than the performance and come the final whistle Pep Guardiola’s side had come away with a precious three points. It moves the champions to one point off league leaders Liverpool and sets up a thrilling finale to this season.

It took a 71st-minute winner from Erling Haaland to settle a tense affair. After being played through by a sublime ball from Julian Alvarez City’s number 9 expertly finished a flowing move to give his team a vital three points. Brentford to their credit made the world champions fight for the win but come the final whistle it was a deserved three points for Manchester City.

Here are the City player ratings after a vital win for the European champions.

City player ratings

Ederson-7/10: Made two crucial saves in the first half albeit the shots lacked any venom. Looks back to his best right in time for the crucial part of the season.

Kyle Walker-6/10: Defended well but his delivery was poor for the majority of the game. Finally provided an assist but had strayed offside late on. That summed up his night going forward.

John Stones-7.5/10: Was a calming influence at the back. Didn’t put a foot wrong in another superb display at the back.

Ruben Dias-7/10: Had a tremendous tussle with Ivan Toney for the majority of the game. Stood up to Toney’s physicality well. Has started to drift further up the field when City have possession which is something to watch going forward.

Manuel Akanji-8.5/10: Citys man-of-the-match. Was superb at left back and dangerous when going forward. His versatility was on display in a commanding performance from Akanji.

Rodri-8/10: Another dominant display from Rodri. Hardly put a foot wrong and was a driving force throughout the game.

Bernardo Silva-6.5/10: His effort couldn’t be questioned but his performance was just below his usual high standards.

Phil Foden-7.5/10: Grew into the game as it opened up in the second half. His touch was off in the early stages but he became a constant threat in the closing stages. Looked infinitely more dangerous in a central role.

Julian Alvarez-7.5/10: Provided a superb assist for Haaland to open the scoring. Looked more at home in the number 10 role and if his finishing was at his usual standard he could’ve had a day out.

Oscar Bobb-6.5/10: Saw one effort cleared off the line in the first half. Showed his creativity and quick feet before being substituted. Wasn’t City’s worst player while he was on the pitch.

Erling Haaland-7.5/10: It was never in doubt that Haaland would respond after his performance against Chelsea. Provided the match-winner and looked a threat throughout the game. The goals will flow sooner rather than later based on that display.

Substitutes

Jeremy Doku-6/10: Came on for Oscar Bobb on the hour mark. Didn’t provide a lot but is always a threat when he’s on the pitch.

Mateo Kovacic-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.