Ruben Dias and John Stones put in impressive displays Manchester City defeated West Ham United 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester City were not able to dictate the proceedings firmly in the first forty-five minutes, as they would have liked. But in the 30th minute, Kevin De Bruyne floated a perfect delivery into the box, and Ruben Dias gave the Cityzens a 1-0 lead with a sensational header.
However, in the dying moments of the first half, West Ham United were able to snatch the equaliser, which they thoroughly deserved due to their tireless efforts all over the pitch. The hosts weren’t able to anticipate the run of Jesse Lingard, who diverted Vladimir Coufal’s cross towards goal, which was then stabbed home by Michail Antonio from close-range.
In the second half, Pep Guardiola’s men started to pose more of a threat in attack, and they were finally able to take the lead in the 68th minute. John Stones’ fine strike from inside the box made it 2-1 and Pep Guardiola’s men were able to hold on to their lead to bag another victory.
Manchester City have now secured their 20th win in a row in all competitions, taking another step towards the Premier League title. Here’s how we rated the performances of the hosts’ superstars on the afternoon at the Etihad Stadium.
Ederson Moraes: 6/10
The Brazilian goalkeeper did not have to do much in this contest. In spite of conceding the goal, Ederson was up to the task for Manchester City, making 6 recoveries.
Kyle Walker: 6/10
The right-back was not at his influential best in this clash, as he seemed vulnerable on a few occasions. However, Walker was able to expose the defensive fragilities of the Hammers with his blistering forward runs.
John Stones: 7.5/10
John Stones' game by numbers vs. West Ham:
100% duels won
100% aerials won
93% passing accuracy
83 touches
4/4 aerials
4 ball recoveries
2 blocks
2 clearances
2 shots
1 goal
0 x dribbled pastAbsolute machine. pic.twitter.com/C7KOYjWBQN
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 27, 2021
One of the standout performers of the game for Manchester City, as he was unbreachable since the first whistle of the game. The Englishman completed 68 passes out of 73, dictating the game from the back firmly. Won each of the five duels against the in-form attackers of West Ham. Scored the decisive goal of the encounter to make it 2-1.
Ruben Dias: 8/10
Another exceptional display from the Portuguese centre-back, as he was rock-solid at the back. The Manchester City No. 3 didn’t allow the West Ham forwards’ to settle down and get into dangerous spaces. Scored his first goal in City colours as well. With six clearances and seven recoveries, he thoroughly dominated the proceedings from the back.
? @RubenDias, Ladies and Gents. A true leader in this team, expressing his thoughts on the game:
"This was definitely a team win. Its important to the team that everyone knows that everyone can decide a game"
— City Chief (@City_Chief) February 27, 2021
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6/10
The Ukrainian left-back produced a decent performance at the back. However, he wasn’t able to interpret the movement of Vladimir Coufal, which is why the Hammers were able to pull off the equaliser. Did offer attacking impetus with his forward runs.
Kevin De Bruyne: 6/10
Kevin De Bruyne Vs West Ham (H) pic.twitter.com/AlRsSOJrV4
— ☔️ (@mcfcomps) February 27, 2021
The Belgian international had a rough outing, and apart from that whipping cross, which allowed the Cityzens to break the deadlock, the midfielder failed to produce a performance living up to his standards. Won each of the four attempted dribbles in the game, but still needs a few matches to be back at his staggering best yet again.
Fernandinho: 6/10
A not so impressive afternoon for the Brazilian midfielder. The veteran failed to impose himself on the proceedings in his usual manner. But he did complete 71 out of 85 passes to ensure stability in the middle.
Ilkay Gundogan: 6.5/10
The German midfielder had a task to bring solidity to the centre of the park which he did effectively. The No. 8 was not able to influence the attack as much as he would have liked, though.
Riyad Mahrez: 6.5/10
Riyad Mahrez's assist to John Stones was his 4⃣4️⃣th in the Premier League.
Didier Drogba is the only African player with more (54). ? pic.twitter.com/5zIyFvWQGY
— REVEAL (@RevealFooty) February 27, 2021
The right-winger was not able to penetrate the defensive unit of the hosts in most phases of the event. But served the assist for the decisive goal in the 68th minute of the game.
Sergio Aguero: 6/10
On his first start since returning from an extended period out on the sidelines, the Argentine was far from his best. As the game started to unfold, Aguero was continuously failing to cope up with the pressure. In the 61st minute, he was replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
Sergio Aguero struggles against West Ham in first Premier League start since October https://t.co/HNycmR6nVC
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) February 27, 2021
Ferran Torres: 6/10
The Spanish forward did not relish the best of games this afternoon. Starting as the left-winger, Torres wasn’t able to showcase his credibility. Did not track back for West Ham United’s goal in the first half.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus: 6/10
Came on as a substitute in the 61st minute. However, the Brazilian didn’t contribute much enough, although pressed the visitors’ backline aggressively.
Phil Foden: 6/10
Replaced Torres in the 65th minute and tried to influence the game from the left flank. Won three duels out of a possible five.
Rodri: N/A
On for Ilkay Gundogan in the 89th minute. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
