Machester City thumped FC Basel on Tuesday, making a statement of intent to other competitors and are now almost sure of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Manchester City produced a masterclass performance in Switzerland to thrash FC Basel 4-0 to take an enormous advantage back to the Etihad for the return leg. City travelled to FC Basel, in what looked and proved to be a comfortable tie for the Premier League leaders.
Right from the first whistle, Pep Guardiola’s men dominated the game and took it to the Swiss side, as the Premier League side’s attack proved too much to handle for Basel’s defence. The result more or less makes City’s progression to the next round a certainity.
Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring with a header at the near post from a Kevin De Bruyne corner around the 15th-minute mark. Bernardo Silva doubled the advantage with an audacious effort. Sergio Aguero continued his scoring form and added a third before half-time for the visitors.
The second half began as the first ended and Manchester City scored a fourth in the 52nd-minute. Ilkay Gundogan was the scorer of the fourth for City which was also his second goal in an impressive performance. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Guardiola’s men
Ederson – 7/10
The Brazilian was almost an onlooker between the stick for the majority of the match. Ederson only had to make a solid save off Mohamed Elyounoussi to help keep City’s three-goal lead intact. Apart from that, this was another game where his footwork was impeccable and commanded his area well when required.
Kyle Walker – 8/10
Walker’s marauding attacking runs has become a feature of his gameplay as well as City’s attack this season. The Englishman displayed his attacking game well against Basel. Although he did not register a goal or an assist, Walker’s overall game on the night is what makes him such an accomplished player tonight.
Vincent Kompany – 7/10
Kompany registered a clean sheet on Tuesday. Overall was solid in defence, apart from some wobbly moments in the first half. Without much of a threat from Basel’s attackers, the Manchester City did defend well when called upon.
Nicolas Otamendi – 6/10
Was the weakest among the two Manchester City central defenders. Troubled by Dimitri Oberlin early on in the game before recovered. But, after City’s first goal, the opposition hardly threatened. Not that bad a night after all for Otamendi, as City registered a clean sheet away from home.
Fabian Delph – 7/10
Was a surprise inclusion after a long lay off, especially with Zinchenko and Danilo’s recent performances being good. Basel tried to attack from the right-hand side more, trying to expose Delph, but the makeshift left-back did a tidy job at the back.
Fernandinho – 8/10
A top quality performance from Fernandinho. He bossed the midfield, sniffing out any potential Basel attacks. Made a driving run to set up Aguero’s goal. The very heart of City’s midfield against Basel.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8/10
Another accomplished outing from City’s Belgian schemer, although not his best. De Bruyne set up Gundogan’s first goal which set the tempo of the game. Made some killer sweeping passes which has become his trademark this season, yet it wasn’t his most complete performance.
Ilkay Gundogan – 9/10
In the recent absence of David Silva, Gundogan has made one of the creative midfield positions his own, producing another impressive performance. His slick passing and possession techniques is in sync with dictating his style onto the pitch. Scored two goals for the team in what was one of his best displays to date in a City shirt.
Bernardo Silva – 8.5/10
His recent run of regular games has improved his gameplay. Bernardo Silva’s goal against Basel demonstrated that fact. Overall attacked very well during the night in which the Swiss side’s defence was always was on its toes, and one important reason for the visitors’ dominance was Silva.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Sterling was dangerous in attack as he tried to create something whenever he got on the ball. Missed one great chance to score but will be happy with his performance on the night.
Sergio Aguero – 9/10
Aguero continued his scoring form in front of goal. Scored against Basel in a performance where whenever he had the ball, the Basel defence was running back for cover. The Argentine assisted Gundogan’s goal as well in a top brass performance from City’s main striker.
SUBSTITUTES
Leroy Sane – 6/10
Total surprise inclusion in the matchday squad on the night, as he was reported to have had a seven-week injury lay off, but has evidently returned in two weeks. But, that injury might still have an impact as the rustiness on the pitch showed.