Manchester City thoroughly handle Wolves at the Etihad to get back to four points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
Manchester City thoroughly handle Wolves at the Etihad to get back to four points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
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MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester City moved back to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool with a comfortable 3-0 victory over 10-man Wolves on Monday. Gabriel Jesus poked the home side ahead before Willy Boly was shown a straight red cad for an aggressive lunge on Bernardo Silva. Gabriel added a second from the spot before Conor Coady flicked a header into his own net.
Positives
The ease with which Wolves were brushed aside was reminiscent of City performances in their record-breaking title triumph rather than their uncharacteristic blip before Christmas. Wolves have taken nine points off top-six sides this season, including a point off the champions at Molineux, but City pulled them apart with a dominant and stylish display.
Negatives
City slightly took their foot off the pedal shortly after Boly's red card. They were already leading and they didn't quite maintain their concentration, allowing the visitors a sight of goal with Diogo Jota dragging a shot off target.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Pep Guardiola decided that both Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero were only sharp enough to start from the bench. His decision to leave out the Argentinian was helped by the recent form of Gabriel, and the Brazilian's confidence will be further enhanced by two goals against strong Premier League opposition.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Ederson, 7 -- Kept his first Premier League clean sheet in nine games and didn't have to do too much to achieve it. Decided to get involved in midfield late on with a few short passes, much to the delight of home fans.
DF Kyle Walker, 7 -- Recalled for his first Premier League start in four games. Jonny kept him on his toes in the first half but it was a strong performance.
Gabriel Jesus scored twice in Man City's 3-0 Premier League win over Wolves.
DF John Stones, 7 -- Very neat and tidy with his passing and untroubled defensively.
DF Aymeric Laporte, 6 -- Outstanding defence-splitting pass led to the opening goal. Had an entertaining battle in the second half against speedy sub Bertrand Traore, and didn't have it all his own way.
DF Danilo, 7 -- Switched to left-back for the first time this season and had little to do defensively. Instructed to come inside on occasions, meaning being right-footed wasn't a major hindrance.
MF Fernandinho, 8 -- Another masterful display in the heart of midfield. Constantly winning and recycling the ball to keep City moving forward.
MF David Silva, 6 -- Quiet performance but still produced some clever short passes around the box to try to break through the Wolves backline.
MF Bernardo Silva, 7 -- Busy with his movement across the midfield. Was caught by Boly for the red card.
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- Breaking down ESPN's scoring system
FW Raheem Sterling, 8 -- Plenty of energy in attack and his burst of speed caught out Ryan Bennett for the penalty.
FW Gabriel Jesus, 8 -- Couldn't buy a goal in the first few months of the season and now he can't stop scoring. Claimed his sixth and seventh in three games with a typical poacher's finish and a penalty.
FW Leroy Sane, 8 -- The German winger is right at the top of his game. Delivered an inch-perfect cross for the opener and was a constant threat on the left flank.
Substitutes
MF Kevin De Bruyne, 7 -- Dynamic half hour and forced Coady into an own goal with a vicious cross.
MF Ilkay Gundogan, N/R -- Fresh legs kept City moving forward.
FW Sergio Aguero, N/R -- Was inches from marking his comeback with a goal.
Source: espn.co.uk