Monday 24 August 2015

Everton 0 - 2 Manchester City: Thoughts & Ratings

Before City's trip to Goodison on Sunday afternoon, I remember quite a sincere discussion with my Dad.

Everton v Manchester City - Premier League
(Image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

I don't like to bring up the club's rather inelegant past too often. It gives us an excuse to dismiss failure and ignore poor performances with a casual smile that says "yeah, but just look at where we used to be". Those words and that nonchalant mindset irritates me.

However, I have seen Richard Dunne score an own goal from the half-way line, so I often take a run of exquisite displays with a pinch of salt knowing that a swarm of cumulonimbus clouds may be on its way to arrest the sunlight. 

I said to my Dad that if we win convincingly on Sunday, we'll go on to win the title. How reckless of me to make such a bold prediction three games into the season, but if you've watched City this term, you'll agree that my prediction isn't so audacious. 

David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov starred in a 2-0 win that was as satisfying as the 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea one week ago. Everton are known as the "bogey" team in City circles, but if Manuel Pellegrini's side continue to play like this, they're unlikely to struggle against any of their remaining 16 opponents this season. 

The rise of Aleksandar Kolarov
Aleksandar Kolarov has emerged from a discouraging pre-season as the £16m defensively astute and offensively fantastic left full-back City signed from Lazio five years ago. The Serbian's herculean left foot and delivery from the flank has consistently attracted praise since moving to the Etihad, but his defending has been rightfully criticised.

Everton v Manchester City - Premier League
(Kolarov celebrates his opener - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

On Sunday afternoon, Kolarov not only netted his side's first from an impossible angle, but also contributed to a coordinated defensive display with three clearances, two blocks and one interception. With Sterling in front of him and naturally inclined to cut inside, Kolarov is able to overlap the 20-year-old and whip in crosses from the by-line. 

His understanding with the former Liverpool winger has been instrumental in all three of City's victories this season. The team looks balanced and carries most of its threat on the flanks. 

David Silva the magician
After the game, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp uttered a few words of truth.

"We should just do the man of the match interviews with him before the game to save time," the former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said. 

Everton v Manchester City - Premier League
(David Silva is surrounded by Everton players - image via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Silva, again, was utterly brilliant. He always has been, but in his preferred and best role just behind the striker, he is able to demonstrate that brilliance more consistently. Last season the Spaniard operated from the wing where he was encouraged to cut inside and create chances for City's strikers. His stats were impressive - he scored 12 goals, created 93 chances and registered seven assists - but ultimately he was a victim of the club's lack of a second winger.

With Sterling now in the side, Silva no longer carries the added defensive responsibility of a wide man and can concentrate on controlling the play in the middle of the field. Silva has created nine chances, registered three assists and has a goal to his name already this term and the move to the centre-attacking midfield position is paying dividends. 

City's stats so far this season
Goals scored 8 (best in league)
Goals conceded 0 (joint best in league)
Set piece goals 2 (joint second best in league)
Shot accuracy 69% (best in league)
Passing accuracy 88% (best in league)
Chances created 44 (second best in league)

Player Ratings
Joe Hart 6

Bacary Sagna 8
Vincent Kompany 8
Eliaquim Mangala 8
Aleksandar Kolarov 8.5

Fernandinho 7
Yaya Touré 7.5
David Silva 9
Jesus Navas 7
Raheem Sterling 7.5

Sergio Agüero 6

Substitutes

Wilfried Bony 6
Samir Nasri 7
Fabian Delph 6