Manchester City put forth yet another lacklustre performance against Crystal Palace, drawing 0-0 at Selhurst Park. The stalemate takes them four points ahead of Liverpool, who could move two points clear of them before their next Premier League outing.
Chances came aplenty for Manchester City, who smashed the frame of goal twice through Joao Cancelo’s pile-driver and a left-footed strike from Kevin de Bruyne. 14 efforts in the first-half included several sitters fluffed by the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Bernardo Silva.
That being said, Patrick Vieira’s spirited Eagles side played like their lives were on the line, such was the calibre of defensive structure, marking and organisation. With nine games to go, it’s now over to Liverpool as far as the title race is concerned.
Pep Guardiola was surprisingly satisfied with his troops, which could be one of the reasons behind not utilising his bench at all.
On that note, here’s a rundown of the Manchester City players’ ratings –
Ederson – 7/10
It was just another day in the office for Ederson, as his team dominated proceedings and he was hardly called into action. Just under 30% of possession and just one shot on target from Crystal Palace meant that the Brazilian kept his 16th clean sheet of the season.
Kyle Walker – 6/10
Kyle Walker constantly offered support on the right flank to Mahrez, be it to draw out a player or overlap for a cross. However, he offered very little output in terms of the final ball, largely due to a defensive masterclass from Tyrick Mitchell.
John Stones – 7/10
Besides the occasional pop from outside the box, John Stones was exceptional at the back, winning aerial duels, picking inch-perfect passes and shunned Jean-Philippe Mateta’s towering presence.
Aymeric Laporte – 4/10
Laporte, like most of his colleagues, spent more time on the ball than off it. Just as he was in the reverse fixture, the Spanish international saw himself pickpocketed by Conor Gallagher twice in the first 45. He had two big chances in this game as well, one of which was an open net for him to break the deadlock.
Joao Cancelo – 7.5/10
Cancelo was Man City’s most creative player besides de Bruyne. The full-back picked up some fantastic positions in midfield and used his vision to great effect. Cancelo exemplified just why he has been a potent attacker this season but couldn’t help pick a final pass that unlocked the Eagles defense.
Rodri – 6/10
Rodri did what he had to off the ball – immediately defuse Crystal Palace’s attack and spray passes across the pitch. However he could have been more precise with the switches from one end to another.
Kevin de Bruyne – 8/10
de Bruyne ran his socks off, and every time he was chased down by three or more Palace players, he produced a pass to set either Mahrez or Foden free. It was a shame, as none of his co-forwards applied the finishing touches on a frustrating day.
Bernardo Silva – 4/10
Bernardo Silva was very unlike himself in the match. The Portuguese play maker failed to cut open the opposition from deeper positions, and one could argue his interplay was pedestrian. On another day, he could easily have had a hat-trick, such were the number and nature of chances missed.
Riyad Mahrez – 6.5/10
Mahrez was another one who gave it everything from the right flank. His exquisite control turned every overcooked pass into a brilliant one, whilst few flashes on target rounded off a polished performance that still, by his lofty standards, left a lot to be desired.
Phil Foden – 5/10
Foden found himself lost in the middle of the pitch, not for the first time this season when he has been deployed in a central role. Whilst City were probing and playing pass after pass, it seemed like Foden was always disjointed in those attacks.
Jack Grealish – 6/10
Grealish’s cut-backs and drive-in runs became far too predictable for the Crystal Palace players, who always had two or three on either side of the box. The former Aston Villa man has not been as prolific as he’d have liked in front of the goal since his move, and that is exactly what was missing on the night.
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak