Bournemouth 0-2 Man City Player Ratings: Silva’s adaptability

good performance helped Manchester City to a 2-0 win at relegation-threatened Bournemouth – but how did players on both teams rate?

AFC Bournemouth

Artur Boruc – City’s better chances either flew wide or onto the post. Bar a first half save from Sterling, who scored moments later, he wasn’t tested as much as he could have been. 4

Adam Smith – his attacking tendencies were unsuitable for the occasion. Left a lot of space in behind him which Sane exploited. 3
Simon Francis – mopped up loose balls and looked commanding before his unfortunate first half injury. 6
Steve Cook – slipped for Sterling’s back post tap-in but posed a threat from long throws and was handy in possession. 6
Charlie Daniels – one or two good forward runs to create more space in central areas. His struggles against Sterling’s pace may have been a reason why he wasn’t used more often. 5

Andrew Surman – while he made one or two important blocks, he did not offer enough protection to compensate for a lack of technical ability. 4
Harry Arter – his second half drive forced a fine save from Caballero. Key to the team’s better spells but his influence was not sustained. 5
Jack Wilshere – hardworking but quiet before the injury that saw him taken off shortly before the break. 4

Jordan Ibe – looked tricky down the right and could have scored but for Caballero’s last-ditch challenge. At times ran into Fernandinho but unlucky to be taken off. 6
Josh King – worked hard and saw his swift leveller ruled out. Less effective when moved further deeper. 6
Ryan Fraser – frequently closed down Yaya Toure, but did not offer much quality in possession. 4

Benik Afobe – didn’t press as well as the lone striker as King had done. 4
Tyrone Mings – a full-back by trade and it showed, when he played at centre-back. 3
Marc Pugh – couldn’t get involved in his short time on the pitch – Ibe had looked more productive. 4

Manchester City

Willy Caballero – crucial challenge on Ibe stopped Bournemouth scoring the opener and he denied Arter in the second half. Slow distribution was the only downside to his display. 7

Bacary Sagna – rarely tested defensively by Fraser. The attacking nature of City’s midfield limited his forward freedom. 6
John Stones – one poor header gave Bournemouth the chance to attack, but he made plenty of timely interceptions in an encouraging display. 8
Aleksandr Kolarov – could have been quicker to close down on occasion in the first half but was faultless in the second. Made two or three important clearances. 7
Fernandinho – stood his ground defensively, doing the work of more than one man at times in stopping Ibe. Provides clever distribution as well as steel and grit. 9

Yaya Toure – played some good passes through Bournemouth’s midfield in the first 10 minutes, but faded thereafter. Looked prone to giving the ball away when closed down quickly and City played better without him. 4
Leroy Sane – got in behind Smith on numerous occasions, including his setup for Sterling goal. Could have better dealt with Ibe and sometimes a touch hesitant to use his pace. 6
Raheem Sterling – showed good movement and was lively throughout. Shooting could have been better in the first half hour but soon redeemed himself with the goal, before setting up the settler. 8

Kevin De Bruyne – committed himself to the team’s pressing and when the opposition did the same thing to him, he would often turn smoothly to open up passing avenues. 7
David Silva – ran the show. Usual majestic control allied with qualities we don’t normally associate with him: defensive headers, committed challenges and, despite limited pace, he posed a threat on the break. 9
Gabriel Jesus – picked up an unfortunate injury that ended his evening on 15 minutes. Given his preceding form, Guardiola will hope it is not serious. (N/A)

Sergio Aguero (on 15) – appeared nervous for much of the contest, lacked pace and took too long to get involved. His goal, if not given to Mings, will at least boost his confidence. 4
Nicolas Otamendi (on 70) – a sturdy and professional 20-minute display. 6
Nolito (on 90+2)