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Let’s get the only negative to come out of this game out of the way first. Gabriel Jesus is set for an extended layoff thanks to the ankle injury he sustained in the opening minutes again AFC Bournemouth. The young Brazilian has been playing very well for Pep and will certainly be a big miss.
Luckily City have two pretty good backup strikers in Sergio Agüero and Kelechi Iheanacho, both of whom have been left out since the arrival of Jesus.
Excluding the injury there was a lot to love from Manchester City in this game. The way the defense (John Stones in particular) played was excellent. The midfield trio of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Yaya Touré continued with their stellar form as well. Up front Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sané created more nightmares for Bournemouth's fullbacks just tearing up play down the wing.
City’s first goal was thanks to a cross from Sané that Sterling met perfectly at the back post for a tap in. City’s second was created thanks to a wonderful bit of skill from Sterling and his pullback hitting both Agüero and the defender trying to mark him. It seems the goal has been given as an own goal but either way hopefully Agüero can start a run of good form here.
Below are the ratings for each City player including my pick for Man of the Match.
Willy Caballero: 7.0
City’s goalkeeping woes seem to be solved for the moment. After dropping Claudio Bravo for Caballero, Guardiola's City have only conceded one goal and are on a four-game winning streak. Granted this is one of the easier stretches of their season and Caballero’s talents will truly be tested if he starts against AS Monaco next week.
Bacary Sagna: 7.0
The French defender was again solid both going forward and defending for the Blues. Sagna is seemingly keeping Pablo Zabaleta out of the side with his versatility, this after many were proclaiming a Zabaleta resurgence was taking place.
John Stones: 8.0
This was an excellent game from the English defender. Several times Stones found himself in a tough situation with the ball and always made the correct decision. This was the Stones many City supporters were looking for back when he was signed.
Aleksandar Kolarov: 6.5
The Serbian defender was fine in this game. His partner was able to provide very good cover allowing Kolarov to be more free, especially with the ball. It seems Otamendi might be relegated to the bench from now on.
Fernandinho: 7.0
The Brazilian midfielder played left-back this week after lining up at right-back the week prior. City supporters always speculated the answer to our full-back issues might lie in our midfield, but Fernandinho has been above and beyond in his last two games.
Yaya Touré: 7.5
It’s truly a joy to watch Touré operate in this new position he’s found himself in under Pep Guardiola. Sitting very deep and controlling the possession, Yaya is free to make some truly special passes.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.0
The Belgian worked his tail off in the game even though a lot of what he tried didn’t come off. De Bruyne’s tracking back and defensive work in this game was inspiring.
David Silva: 8.5 (Man of the Match)
The form of David Silva right now is ridiculous. It’s surprising he hasn't burst into flames with how red hot he’s been the last month or so. Silva won't get on the scoresheet as much as he deserves, but the Spaniard's quality is recognized by the City faithful.
Raheem Sterling: 8.5
Another man on blistering form is Sterling. The Englishman is full of confidence and spends most of his time roasting full-backs down the wing. He got a goal and an assist in this one and City supporters will hope he can keep up his goal scoring form.
Leroy Sané: 8.0
The young German struggled early on in his tenure at City, but since around December something seems to have cliched for the winger. Sané was once again excellent and will be an integral piece if City are to challenge at all this season.
Gabriel Jesus: N/A
The poor Brazilian striker hobbled off early in the game and early reports say City’s new star is set to miss 2-3 months. Unfortunate news for a team finding their form at the right time.
Sergio Agüero: 7.0
Agüero replaced Jesus early and was instrumental in City’s second goal. The rest of the game the Argentine looked out of sorts, as Pep’s demands for high pressing seem to not coincide with Agüero’s taste.
Nicolas Otamendi: 6.5
The Argentine defender came on right after City scored their second and helped shore things up defensively.
Nolito: N/A
The Spaniard was given a run out at the end of the game when victory was imminent.