Manchester City 2 Everton 0: City player ratings as Haaland reminds everyone of what City have missed

Here are the City player ratings as the champions made it 10 consecutive wins in all competitions with a 2-nil win over a stubborn Everton side at the Etihad Stadium. A second-half brace from Erling Haaland was enough to secure City all three points in a crucial Premier League clash. The win put City top of the table before Liverpool’s match with Burnley later today.

Erling Haaland reminded everyone exactly what the world champions had missed during his absence with a foot injury as his late brace secured City the win. With Pep Guardiola’s side struggling to break down a stubborn Everton rearguard it was City’s number 9 who made the decisive contribution. His first arrived in the 71st minute as he fired home the opener on his right foot after a half-cleared corner from Julian Alvarez fell his way to lash home.

He then made sure of the three points for Pep Guardiola’s side with his second in the 85th. Kevin De Bruyne played the Norwegian striker through and he shrugged off the attention of Jarrad Branthwaite to calmly slot his second to seal all three points for City.

Here are the City player ratings from a vital win for Pep Guardiola’s side.

City player ratings

Ederson-6/10: Didn’t have to make a save of note but was good in possession. A quiet afternoon for the Brazilian keeper.

John Stones-7/10: The England international played at right-back before Walker’s introduction. Was good on the ball as always and defended well when called upon.

Manual Akanji-5.5/10: Appeared lost when drifting into midfield. Defended well when required and should be better for the run after his injury layoff.

Ruben Dias-7.5/10: A dominant display at the back from Dias. Made some strong challenges and looks back to his best form.

Nathan Ake-7/10: Ake did his job as he always does. Was rarely troubled at the back and did what was required to help his team pick up a vital three points.

Rodri-7.5/10: Showed his tremendous leadership ability in another quality performance. Was often seen urging his team on and dictated the midfield battle.

Matheus Nunes-4/10: A poor display from Nunes. Appeared to be trying too hard at times. He needs to close the gap between his best and worst to be a consistent contributor.

Phil Foden-7/10: Everything Foden did was quality. He never stopped trying and put in a very mature display.

Julian Alvarez-5/10: He tried hard as always but not one of his better games. Can’t fault his work rate just his execution.

Jeremy Doku-7.5/10: Was by far City’s most dangerous player before Haaland’s heroics and De Bruyne’s introduction. A decent display from Doku.

Erling Haaland-9/10: City’s number 9 won the game for his team. He was subdued for the majority but when City needed him he stepped up with a brace. He appears ready to explode for the remainder of the season.

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne-7.5/10: City needed their talisman and when called upon he provided the lift they needed. His assist for Haaland’s second was typical of the City legend.

Kyle Walker-7/10: Walker gave his team the drive they needed when introduced. He also defended well on the occasions he was required. A quality cameo from the City captain.

Bernardo Silva-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

Jack Grealish-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.