Man City player ratings as excellent 8/10 duo shine in dramatic Villa win to boost Champions League hopes

Nico O’Reilly shone as Man City defeated Aston Villa 2-1 and moved closer towards Champions League qualification. Pep Guardiola made two changes to his starting line up as James McAtee and Mateo Kovacic came into the side for the pivotal clash on Tuesday night.

Marcus Rashford hit the post within the opening 18 seconds of the match, but City survived the early scare and scored minutes later when Bernardo Silva squeezed an effort beyond Emiliano Martinez. Villa drew level when Rashford scored from the penalty spot after a foul by Ruben Dias in what was a captivating first half played without many clear scoring opportunities.

City were the better side throughout the second half and almost regained the lead when James McAtee lifted a spectacular effort just wide of the Villa goal. The visitors didn’t pose much threat but went close when Rashford rounded Stefan Ortega but fired into the side-netting from a very tight angle.

It looked like the match was heading for a draw when Matheus Nunes popped up at the back-post to fire in a dramatic winner and lift City up to third in the Premier League. Here is how we rated the City players:

Stefan Ortega

He was sent the wrong way for the penalty, but made an important stop to deny Rashford a second in the first-half. 6

Matheus Nunes

A sloppy pass that gifted Marcus Rashford the ball on the break. He was clumsy in possession and looked awkward on the ball a few times. None of that mattered when he fired in a late winner. 7

Ruben Dias

He was beaten too easily by Rashford for an early scare, but played a key role in the opening goal with his pass. A clumsy challenge to concede the penalty. 6

Josko Gvardiol

A good overall performance from him. He defended well and posed a threat at the other end of the pitch. 7

Nico O’Reilly

A few nice bits of footwork to get his side out of trouble, and he coped well against Morgan Rogers. A crucial block in his box and excellent delivery into the Villa one. The City gem is a real game-changer. 8

Mateo Kovacic

A combative midfield performance. He gave City some physical presence in the heart of the pitch, but he could have done better with his passing. 6

Ilkay Gundogan

A rather uneventful performance from his perspective. He moved the ball well but didn’t do much of note to influence the result. 5

Kevin De Bruyne

He looked off the pace for most of the game and struggled with the intensity of the tie, but almost set up a superb McAtee goal. A match when it didn’t click for the most part. 6

James McAtee

He worked hard but was sloppy in possession on a couple of occasions. Almost gave City the lead with a spectacular lofted effort but then missed a great opportunity. 6

Bernardo Silva

It wasn’t his finest finish, but that doesn’t matter. An important goal to put City ahead early on in what was an impressive individual performance. 8

Omar Marmoush

A menace on the wing. He worked hard for the opening goal and had a few good efforts. He should have had a couple of free kicks after some rough treatment. 6

Jeremy Doku

He added to City’s threat on the left wing and produced a stunning assist to give City their dramatic winner. 7

Substitutes: Scott Carson, Jack Grealish, Nico Gonzalez, Manuel Akanji, Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov, Phil Foden, Rico Lewis.

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