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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Man City player ratings vs RB Leipzig as Riyad Mahrez good but Erling Haaland poor

Ederson

Grumblings against the goalkeeper have been growing after a run of conceding his first shot on target in Manchester City's last four games. He was mostly a spectator at RB Leipzig, but saved anything fired his way to quieten the critics for another week. He was brave to cut out one cross and stopped two other good goalbound efforts. But could he have done better for Leipzig's goal? 6

Kyle Walker

Deployed as more of a winger or right-midfielder than a defender, Walker kept City's shape well in an innovative formation and played an important role in asserting control of the tie. However, his poor final ball exposed his lack of attacking instinct - he regularly got into position on the byline, but time and again the cross was the wrong one. 6

Manuel Akanji

Recalled in Aymeric Laporte's absence, Akanji helped to secure City's right in the first half as Walker advanced forward. His aggression in cutting out balls before they get to City's box is one of his best qualities - although Leipzig did seem to target his side of defence after the break with some success in the second half which was concerning. 6

ALSO READ: RB Leipzig vs Man City highlights as Mahrez scores but Gvardiol levels

Ruben Dias

For all of Ake and Akanji's good form this season, City are stronger when Dias is in the back line. Tasked with marshalling the back three, Dias led the defence well and could have had a goal with his early header straight at the goalkeeper. Dias was tested more in the second half as Leipzig went on the attack, and might have been stronger for the equaliser. 6

Nathan Ake

Recalled to the side, but not as a traditional left-back, Ake showed his tactical versatility once more with his role at Leipzig switching from playing on the left of a three in possession to a left-back in a four out of possession. His solidity reminded Guardiola that for all the attacking benefits Bernardo brings from left-back, he remains the best defender in that position - apart from one lapse that almost cost a goal. 6

Rodri

Composed as ever, and never seems fazed by whatever experiment is going on behind him. He seems to play better with Bernardo alongside him doing more running to spark attacks, allowing Rodri to take care of the defensive side of the game and keep City ticking. Might have done more to stop the Leipzig resurgence in the second half. 6

Ilkay Gundogan

Given the role of running forward to support the attack in Kevin De Bruyne's absence, Gundogan spotted the opportunities to run between the channels and subsequently opened up room for Grealish and Mahrez on either side. Whether he gets the assist for his clever dummy or not in the first half, it undoubtedly created City's opener. Guilty of ignoring Haaland on a few too many occasions. 6

Bernardo Silva

Roaming from defensive midfield to attacking midfield, Bernardo was everywhere (apart from left-back) and was key to City's first half system. His secondment to left-back appears to have reinvigorated his season, and he is undroppable on this form. Like others, tired after the break and his influence waned as a result. 6

Riyad Mahrez

Playing in an inside-right position thanks to Walker's new position, Mahrez sparkled from the start and relished taking advantage of the increased space. His 16th Champions League goal for City was well-taken and he looked even more dangerous than he has in recent weeks thanks to the tactical tweak. Less involved when Walker was needed in defence. 7

Jack Grealish

Dangerous all night, Grealish was another to benefit from Walker's addition to the attack. For a change, the opposition focussed bodies on the opposite flank, giving Grealish space to run at his defender. He deserves the assist for Mahrez after pouncing on a defensive mistake, which would take him to two assists and a goal in his last three. 7

Erling Haaland

After Guardiola had to defend Haaland and City for looking 'too predictable' when the striker plays, there were no shortage of runs off the ball, but he got simply no service at the RB Arena as others were given more licence. He couldn't hide his frustration in the second half, dragging his only effort wide. Any lack of influence was completely out of his control when his teammates ignored him time and again. 5

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