Manchester City player ratings as club legend Sergio Aguero scores twice to fire the Cityzens to a resounding 5-0 win over Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Manchester City meant business from the kick-off as Kevin De Bruyne handed the champions a lead in the 11th minute with a precise finish before he set Gabriel Jesus up for the second goal just three minutes later. Everton were handed a way back into the contest when Ruben Dias fouled Richarlison in the box to concede a penalty but Gylfi Sigurdsson failed to take the chance as City went into half-time with a two-goal cushion.
Eight minutes into the break, the Cityzens were three goals to the good as Phil Foden did well to fire past Jordan Pickford. Sergio Aguero, playing his final Premier League game for Manchester City, came on as a substitute in the 65th minute and found the back of the net six minutes later to make it 4-0 before heading home another goal five minutes later to celebrate his send-off in style.
The Argentine could have easily had a hat-trick if not for a couple of fine stops from Pickford, who also blocked Raheem Sterling’s effort as Manchester City finished off their league campaign with a 5-0 win. It was a resounding win from the Premier League champions after having seemingly taken their eyes off the ball in the last couple of matches.
Here are our player ratings for the Manchester City stars after a special evening at the Etihad.
Ederson Moraes: 8/10
A good early save to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin within the first five minutes before the Brazilian stopped Sigurdsson’s effort from the penalty spot to ensure Everton did not find a way back into the game. Not tested much after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7/10
Back into the side after recovering from his injury, the England international was a solid performer on the right side of the defence. Did not let much past him while offering an outlet going forward.
John Stones: 7.5/10
JOHN STONES is most improved player this season.
What a resurrection! ? pic.twitter.com/oxgsubLMKX— Nwanneka OmecheMcfc (@nwanneka_omeche) May 23, 2021
A fine performance from Stones against his former club. Kept things in check throughout, making two tackles and four clearances while passing from the back was precise (98% success-rate). Won three aerial duels as well.
Ruben Dias: 6/10
After a sub-par display in the last game, the FWA Player of the Year wasn’t at his best again on Sunday, conceding the penalty in the first half but was saved his blushes by Ederson. Fairly steady apart from that but will need to be at the top of his game when City play Chelsea in the UCL final in a week.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6/10
Preferred over Benjamin Mendy at left-back, the Ukrainian’s sloppy pass put Dias under pressure, leading to the penalty incident. Apart from that, pretty much solid defensively, got forward well when needed as well.
Kevin De Bruyne: 9/10
Kevin De Bruyne against Everton today:
Goals [1]
Assists [1]
Chances Created [7]
Dibbling Succession [5/5]
Passing Accuracy [81%]A great way to end the season ???? pic.twitter.com/WVfLZop3sO
— KDB Report (@KDBReport) May 23, 2021
What a player. Began the game with a bang, opening the scoring just eleven minutes in with a fine strike before setting Jesus up for the second. Continued to carve up the Everton defence with great ease, as he completed seven key passes and five dribbles – both game-high. Could have had a second late in the game.
Fernandinho: 9/10
May be touching 37 but put in another top-notch display at the base of the midfield for Manchester City. Played a huge role in the second goal, winning the ball back before finding De Bruyne, who in turn set Jesus up. Then got a couple of assists for himself in the second half, setting up both of Aguero’s goals. Two tackles, three interceptions and four key passes for the Brazilian.
Both of Fernandinho’s Premier League assists this season came in the space of five minutes against Everton.
?️ 71’
?️ 76’Both of them were for Sergio Aguero. ✋ pic.twitter.com/X5MQ6i7S6U
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 23, 2021
Phil Foden: 8/10
Slotted into the midfield unit this time out, the Manchester United academy product looked a threat each time he got on the ball and looked to take on the opposition. Took his goal well in the second half to make it 3-0 and completed two dribbles before being taken off with an eye on the Champions League final.
Riyad Mahrez: 8/10
Top display from the Algerian international who was a constant thorn in the side for Everton from the right side. Created a couple of chances and hit the woodwork with a powerful effort in the first half. Also got the assist for De Bruyne’s opening goal. Good rhythm heading into the showpiece event next week.
Gabriel Jesus: 8/10
One of his better displays in recent memory, the Brazilian forward started off on the right note, forcing Pickford into an early save. Then made no mistake after being played in by De Bruyne to make it 2-0 and played a part in the third goal for his team. Will do his confidence a world of good ahead of the UCL final.
? Gabriel Jesus has now scored 50 goals in the Premier League for #ManCity – just the 7th player to reach that tally for the club. [via @StatCity] pic.twitter.com/nxyvEuVrCf
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) May 23, 2021
Raheem Sterling: 7/10
Lively on the left without really standing out like some of his fellow forwards. Did create four chances on the evening, while also setting up Foden for his goal in the second period. Hasn’t quite looked at his best of late but this display comes at a crucial time for Sterling and Manchester City.
SUBSTITUTES
Rodri: 7/10
Replaced Foden in the 56th minute. Played a role in ensuring that Manchester City stayed on top throughout.
Sergio Aguero: 10/10
Sergio Aguero for Man City vs. Everton:
100% shot accuracy
100% take-on success
100% duels won
25 minutes played
23 touches
6 touches in opp. box
4 shots
4 shots on target
2 take-ons
2 ball recoveries
2 goalsSigning off in style. ? pic.twitter.com/YKhgNl4ltd
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 23, 2021
What. A. Player. Hasn’t played much this season, was struggling with an injury over the week but here he was, making his final Premier League appearance for Manchester City in front of 10,000 fans at the Etihad and nearly scored a hat-trick despite being just 25 minutes on the pitch. Took his two goals beautifully to add more sheen to the scoreline and should had a treble if not for Pickford’s saves.
In the process, he beat Wayne Rooney’s record of most Premier League goals by a player for a single club, finishing off with 184. A perfect ending for what has been a legendary career at the Etihad.
Ferran Torres: N/A
On for Jesus for the final 15 minutes.
