Player Ratings: West Brom vs. City

Joe Hart (6.5): City's netminder was not forced to make any spectacular saves on the night, though he took care of business when his services were required. West Brom failed to generate many quality scoring chances, but the home side managed six corner kicks and a few decent crosses into the area. Hart was firmly in command and dealt with any dangerous balls flighted into his box. He exercised excellent judgement on these aerial balls, something to not be taken for granted, especially after witnessing Petr Cech's costly lapse of judgement on a free kick against West Ham on Sunday.

Bacary Sagna (6.5): The Frenchman turned in a solid performance at right fullback, exhibiting an all-around game that City fans will hopefully get to see a bit more of this season. With that said, one of West Brom's best scoring chances of the game came when Sagna seemingly switched off for a split second, allowing Saido Berahino to slip in behind and nearly convert the chance. Berahino was offside, but the flag stayed down. Maybe Sagna and company got lucky on that occasion, but overall, it was a very low-key day at the back.

Vincent Kompany (7.5): West Brom sat back and played a very defensive game, particularly in the first half. Kompany truthfully did not have much to do, but regardless of the opposition's tactics and dull offensive prowess, he helped his team keep a clean sheet while also finding the back of the net. His finish on the corner kick was lovely, even if it did find its way in via his shoulder. It is fair to say he was relatively excited when he scored.

Eliaquim Mangala (6.5): Like Kompany, Mangala did not need to perform any heroics at the back to help City to victory. His ability to play alongside Kompany appears to be improving. He looked strong and confident back there, but that will obviously be put to the test against Chelsea this coming weekend.

Aleksandar Kolarov (6.5): He ran the left flank well and looked steady at the back. He also reminded fans that he can hit free kicks, as he forced an excellent stop out of Boaz Myhill in the waning moments of the match. The set piece was Kolarov's second good look at goal.

Yaya Toure (9.0): The mountain of a man was dominant in a deep midfield role. His second goal, a powerful top-corner shot with perfect placement, was simply exquisite. Toure floated around the middle of the park ever so effortlessly, making a Premier League outing look as casual as a Sunday league kickaround.

Fernandinho (6.5): It was not his most noteworthy performance in a City jersey, but quite frankly, it did not have to be. The midfielder was solid for the full 90.

Jesus Navas (6.5): The winger was just another reason West Brom struggled to get into any sort of flow. City managed nearly 70% of the possession in the match, and Navas helped circulate the ball around with his intelligent passing and movement off the ball. He assisted Toure for the first goal of City's Premier League campaign.

David Silva (9.0): This may not have been an elite opponent, but Silva was unstoppable. The diminutive playmaker was wreaking havoc all over the place. His skill in tight spaces and his movement into dangerous areas are awe-inspiring. Silva is one of the best in the world, and not a single player on West Brom came close to touching him on Monday night.

Raheem Sterling (6.5): His upside is immense. The youngster's blistering pace nearly earned him a breakaway goal, but he failed to angle the placement shot past Myhill. It was the type of opportunity he will be expected to finish in the future, especially in tighter contests. Nonetheless, his chemistry with his fellow attacking weapons will inevitably improve.

Wilfried Bony (6.5): He exhibited some good holdup play and is combining well with wingers and midfielders. This was exemplified by his layoff to his countryman Toure on City's second goal. The goals will be there for him this season.

Substitutes:

Sergio Aguero (6.5): Bony made way for Aguero on 63 minutes. Though he was not in the starting XI, Aguero looked capable of scoring when he was out there. Shocking. Can he surpass his tally of 26 Premier League goals from last season?

Samir Nasri (6.5): Nasri replaced Sterling in the 74th minute. Nasri is just another creator of chances in this loaded midfield, and it showed even during his little time on the pitch.

Martin Demichelis (6.0): Toure exited the match with ten minutes to go, and on came Demichelis. Though he only touched the ball a few times, Demichelis looked like a natural in a defensive center mid role.