Manchester City returned to Premier League action on Saturday night with a clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
In what has been a recurring theme for City this season – especially at the Etihad Stadium – they conceded first, with James Maddison opening the scoring in the 13th minute.
Maddison then doubled Spurs lead just seven minutes later, with Spurs capitalising on a mistake made by Josko Gvardiol.
Seven minutes into the second half, Pedro Porro got a third for Ange Postecoglou’s side. To add insult to injury, Brennan Johnson bagged a fourth goal to put the final nail in the coffin on what was a poor showing from the Blues.
With Spurs walking away with three points and a 4-0 scoreline, Pep Guardiola’s team have now lost three Premier League games in a row.
Let’s now go through the player ratings for what was a disheartening evening for the champions.
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Ederson – 4
Caught out in the first half and didn’t command his box enough. Will be disappointed with the goals conceded, but the blame cannot be solely put on City’s goalkeeper.
Kyle Walker – 3
Beaten in a footrace by Timo Werner in injury time which led to Spurs’ fourth goal of the match.
John Stones – 5
Subbed at halftime and replaced by Nathan Ake. Stones was neat on the ball but was caught out by Maddison for Spurs’ first goal and then duped by the overlap that led to his fellow countryman doubling the away side’s lead.
Manuel Akanji – 4
Part of a backline that conceded four goals whilst moving in and out of a messy midfield. A mix-up in injury time led to Tottenham’s final goal of the match.
Josko Gvardiol – 3
Made a costly error that led to Tottenham’s second goal but did offer an attacking threat in the second half.
Rico Lewis – 4
No one can question Lewis’ commitment or the effort he puts in, but his physicality and defensive awareness out of possession is a big problem. Had some attempts at goal in the second half before being taken off for Kevin De Bruyne in the 73rd minute.
Ilkay Gundogan – 3
Offered little protection to the backline. Runs like he’s wading through mud despite having a two-week break. Nowhere near sharp enough, nowhere near the player who captained City to the Treble. Improved in the second half when the Blues had control of possession and pushed Spurs back, but too easily exposed.
Bernardo Silva – 5
As usual, Silva got around the pitch trying to tie things together with neat passing most of the time. Although out of possession, he showed that he can’t snub out danger.
Savinho – 3
Carried a danger when he got on the ball and had space to run into. However, his final pass or shooting accuracy continued to let the winger down. Another frustrating day for the Brazilian who just needs some luck to go his way in front of goal. Subbed off for Jack Grealish after 73 minutes.
Phil Foden – 4
Similar to Savinho, Foden had some threat about him but couldn’t produce that bit of magic to give his side a much-needed goal. Last season’s Premier League Player of the Season just hasn’t got going in this campaign.
Erling Haaland – 4
Had chances throughout the game but couldn’t find the back of the net. Hit the woodwork in the second half. The Norwegian just isn’t getting the service he needs consistently. With City lacking in other areas of the pitch, Haaland must find his clinical edge to push his side forward and get them through games.