Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine
MANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Praha.
The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola‘s side bagging four goals in the second half.
GettyPhil Foden and John Stones both scored against Sparta Praha[/caption]
GettyErling Haaland scored a brilliant improvised goal[/caption]
Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.
Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.
The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.
John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.
Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.
Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.
SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…
Stefan Ortega – 5
Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.
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Nathan Ake – 5
Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.
Manuel Akanji – 5
Training games against his own teammates are far harder than this was.
John Stones – 7
Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.
Rico Lewis – 6
The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action display
Matheus Nunes – 7
GettyMatheus Nunes set up two of City’s goals and netted from the spot[/caption]
He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.
Savinho – 5
Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.
Phil Foden – 7
It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.
Erling Haaland – 9
ReutersThe striker reached 44 in the Champions League[/caption]
Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.
Subs
Mateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5
Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.
James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5
A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.
Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5
Just a pleasant walk in the park….
Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5
He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.
Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5
The young attacker replaced a living legend.
