Joe Hart - 7Five games played, 0 conceded. Joe Hart has had the pleasure of watching his teammates work their brilliance at the opposite end of the pitch without really having to display any of his own so far this season, but top goalkeepers stay alert. With the game approaching its latter stages, Hart was forced into an acrobatic reflex save to deny Jason Puncheon.
Bacary Sagna - 7Fears were allayed when Sagna's name was heard over the tannoy at Selhurt Park. The Frenchman, who has been a star performer for the Blues this campaign, had picked up a minor ankle injury in France's friendly against Serbia - a potentially serious problem for a side also missing Pablo Zabaleta. Sagna continued his fine form to nullify the threat of Zaha and Bolasie - two of the division's most dangerous wingers.
Vincent Kompany - 8City's scintillating start to the season has been influenced heavily by their captain's return to peak form. Kompany won 100% of his aerial duels and made a total of 13 clearances and interceptions against a Palace side that attacked with intent. A fine performance.
Eliaquim Mangala - 6.5City's 4-4-2 formation didn't help the Frenchman who was exposed when Kolarov went forward. Raheem Sterling's willingness to track back and cover for his left-back has prevented attacks coming down City's left hand side, but with the Englishman out of the team through injury, Kolarov had to man the flank alone. It hurt Mangala, but he regained composure in the second half.
Aleksandar Kolarov - 6Not the same attacking threat without Sterling and left his flank exposed on a number of occasions.
Jesus Navas - 5A contender for the miss of the season and without the heroics of Kelechi Iheanacho, Navas may have been on the end of a few harsh words from his manager. One feels the Spaniard's time in the first team may be coming to an end.
Fernandinho - 7A typically tenacious performance from the Brazilian but lacked composure in front of goal where he was presented with a number of decent opportunities.
Yaya Touré - 6.5Lacked discipline on occasion and his temper prevented him from controlling the middle of the park.
Samir Nasri - 7Lacks the defensive discipline of Raheem Sterling, but was City's most creative player behind Kevin De Bruyne. His strike forced McCarthy into the save that found the feet of Iheanacho.
Wilfried Bony - 6.5Holds the ball up well and shows glimpses of his old self, but needs to do more to hold down a regular place in the team. His partnership with Agüero is yet to take off.
Sergio Agüero - 5Was frustrated by Palace's defenders who eventually kicked him out of the game. Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping his knee injury is not too serious.
Substitutes
Kevin De Bruyne - 8
A wonderful debut for the Belgian. Supplied City's midfield with composure and creativity, creating five chances in 65 minutes. An assist was nailed on before Navas's horrendous miss!
Kelechi Iheanacho - 7
Showed striker's instinct to beat two Palace defenders to a stray ball and win the game. A great moment for the youngster who is firmly in Pellegrini's plans.
Martin Demichelis - no time to mark
(All images via and property of www.skysports.com - http://www.skysports.com/manchester-city-squad)
