Grading Manchester City Players on Champions League Performances vs. Bayern
Manchester City’s latest foray into Europe took them to the Allianz Arena for the third time in four seasons.
A desperately disappointing 1-0 defeat courtesy of a last-minute deflected strike from former City defender Jerome Boateng saw them slip to defeat in their opening game in Group E, with Roma, a side who look capable of causing City and Bayern a few problems in this group, winning 5-1 in their match with CSKA Moscow.
But City now have their toughest group fixture out of the way and showed enough promise for the majority of this match to suggest they’ve learned some harsh lessons in recent European campaigns. They matched Bayern in many respects, and the match represents some progress.
Here we look at each player’s performance and grade it accordingly.
Joe Hart
1 of 12
Grade: A
City No. 1 Joe Hart is often on the receiving end of criticism because of his lack of consistency in recent seasons, but he deserves huge credit for his performance in this match. He made a series of fine saves to keep City in the game, repaying the faith shown in him by Manuel Pellegrini when calls for him to be dropped grew louder after his recent error against Stoke.
This was Hart’s first truly world-class display since City’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund back in 2012. Pellegrini will be hoping this reaffirms Hart’s belief in his own ability after a testing couple of years.
Bacary Sagna
2 of 12
Grade: B-
The former Arsenal man was excellent in this game and looks set to provide Pablo Zabaleta with decent competition this season. He was defensively sound, even if his attacking game is some way short of Zabaleta’s.
Sagna is an experienced player who possesses excellent quality. Signing him on a free transfer was an astute piece of business this summer by City. He adds real quality to an area in which City looked short last term.
Vincent Kompany
3 of 12
Grade: B
Before the game, the City captain spoke in his press conference about the need for his side to start doing better in the Champions League, and his performance showed everyone in the side what is needed.
He stood up to everything Bayern Munich threw at him and was once again one of City’s best players. Any success this side has this season will have a lot to do with the form and fitness of Kompany.
Martin Demichelis
4 of 12
Grade: B
The rise of Martin Demichelis as a City player has been remarkable. Ridiculed in all quarters until March last year, he's now almost universally respected after playing a key role in City’s title win and a World Cup final appearance for Argentina. As turnarounds go, none have been quite as sharp as his.
Alongside Kompany, we was very good at the Allianz. His pace worries some, but his reading of the game and aerial ability allows him to form a solid partnership with the Belgian.
Along with Hart, City’s two centre-backs did more than most to come so close to securing what would have been an excellent point.
Gael Clichy
5 of 12
Grade: C
One of the major pluses of this campaign so far for City has been the return to form of Gael Clichy, a player who struggled badly last season and lost supremacy over Aleksandar Kolarov. He's been much better in the league games he's played this term and appears to be proving to Pellegrini that he is indeed a quality left-back.
He was exposed in this match, though, and struggled to contain the twin threats of Rafinha and Thomas Muller. But it's difficult to blame him for much of it given the lack of protection he saw, and it’s good to see his trademark pace back where it once was.
Fernandinho
6 of 12
Grade: B
Left to do much of the work in midfield given Yaya Toure’s nonexistent performance, with the same tenacity and bite he showed at Arsenal last Saturday on display in Bavaria. He deserves great credit for the two displays he’s put in this week already.
His energy and desire to make challenges was much-needed in this match. He deserved more for his efforts.
Yaya Toure
7 of 12
Grade: D-
This was a poor display from Toure, whose difficult start to the season continued in Munich.
The criticism he receives from some City supporters often borders on the absurd and will never sit comfortably with many, but it has to be said his recent form is a worry. A lack of desire and belief defined his performance on Wednesday, and City need more from one of their star men.
Samir Nasri
8 of 12
Grade: C-
Samir Nasri is consistently excellent for City and has been since Pellegrini arrived at the club. However, this was by no means his most effective showing.
He struggled to impact the game, and his usual understanding and link-up play with David Silva was largely absent. The abiding memory of Nasri’s performance was him chasing down Bayern’s midfielders, which isn’t what you want from the Frenchman.
Jesus Navas
9 of 12
Grade: C
Spanish winger Jesus Navas found himself back in the starting XI after his excellent display at Arsenal but could only manage fleeting moments of brilliance at the Allianz.
A couple of speedy runs and balls into the box were his best moments, and as a result he failed to influence City’s attacking game to any great degree. One thing Navas always brings, though, is hard work. He never shirks the defensive duties, and Bacary Sagna will have enjoyed linking up with him.
David Silva
10 of 12
Grade: B-
Although not at his compelling best, Silva was once again City’s biggest threat going forward. His freedom to roam in the No. 10 role means he can drop between the lines and pick up the ball in space before finding a teammate with a pass. He keeps City’s attacks fluid.
He had a strong penalty appeal turned down which surely should have been given.
Edin Dzeko
11 of 12
Grade: C+
Edin Dzeko started as the lone striker in place of Sergio Aguero and had a couple of chances to score—bringing a save from Manuel Neuer low down to the keeper’s right and bending one just wide of the upright.
It’s never easy playing alone, particularly against a side so dominant in possession, and he will have more straightforward games this season, that’s for sure.
Subs
12 of 12
James Milner (for Nasri 58); Grade: C. Added some extra solidity to a midfield that badly needed it.
Sergio Aguero (Dzeko 74); Grade: C-. Nearly scored late on, and after being rested Pellegrini will be hoping he is fit and raring to go against Chelsea this Sunday.
Aleksandar Kolarov (Navas 87): Too late to mark.
Not used: Caballero, Lampard, Mangala, Boyata
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