Man City player ratings: Mateo Kovacic steps up to fill Rodri-shaped void as Jack Grealish kept quiet by Fulham defence
MANCHESTER CITY kept ground on Liverpool with the help of a double from Mateo Kovacic.
Former Manchester United man Andreas Pereira opened the scoring at the Etihad.
But Kovacic’s double and a late Jeremy Doku goal separated the sides despite Rodrigo Muniz’s consolation.
Here is how Martin Blackburn rated City’s stars.
EDERSON – 8
No chance with the goals but two brilliant saves to deny Traore on one on ones and they proved vital as City hung on for a win.
RICO LEWIS – 7
Reverted back to full-back – out-muscled by Traore on one occasion but baled out by his keeper. Looked more the part when he pushed into midfield
MANUEL AKANJI – 6
Lost track of Perreira as Fulham took a shock lead. Must have had an injury as he was hooked on the hour and replaced by Walker.
RUBEN DIAS – 6
Superb block to deny Jiminez as the visitors searched for equaliser. Busier afternoon than he expected as Fulham posed a real threat.
JOSKO GVARDIOL – 7
Low shot saved by Leno in the first half but proved his worth at the other end with brilliant tackles to deny Traore then Jiminez.
MATEO KOVACIC – 9
Pep needs people to step forward after Rodri’s injury and the Croatian did it here. Pulled City level via a deflection then fired home a beauty to put them in front.
ILKAY GUNDOGAN – 6
Fluffed a couple of first half chances that could have changed the game. Ex-skipper did supply the corner to get his team back in it.
BERNARDO SILVA – 6
Off colour in the first half – better after the break and his super lay off for Kovacic’s second goal while he could have had one himself.
PHIL FODEN – 6
First Prem start of a season that has yet to catch fire. Had a hand in the second goal then blazed a shot over the angle but subbed late on.
JACK GREALISH – 5
Quiet first half apart form a nice cross for Bernardo who missed with his header. Brighter after the break but could have no complaints at being replaced by Doku on the hour.
ERLING HAALAND – 6
Failed to make the most of a series of first half chances – his blistering start to the season Unselfish lay off for Bernardo but the Portuguese could not make the most of it.
Subs
DOKU for Grealish 61 – What a sensational strike to put City two clear 7
WALKER for Akanji 61 – Outpaced for once – by Traore – but rescued by Ederson. 5
STONES for Foden 78 – Brought on to tighten things up with the game in the balance 6
NUNES for Gundogan -89 – Too late to make much impact. 5