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.

EPA

Manchester City celebrate victory over Fulham[/caption]

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.

Reuters

Manuel Akanji lost track of Perreira as Fulham took a shock lead[/caption]

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. 

Reuters

Mateo Kovacic scored a double for City[/caption]

Kovacic was instrumental in ensuring Man City won on Saturday afternoon

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.

Reuters

Jack Grealish had a quiet afternoon[/caption]

Fulham had a significant share of the match and could have stolen a point

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

PA

Doku helped seal the win[/caption]