Manchester City got yet another Champions League campaign underway, and will hope that their extremely comfortable 4-0 win away at Sevilla will be an indicator of things to come, as they aim to lift Europe’s premier competition for the first time.
No prizes will be handed out for guessing who got City’s scoring underway.
Midway through a first-half which was largely spent in and around Sevilla’s box, Phil Foden picked up the ball, feeding Kevin De Bruyne, who in turn played the ball to the back post, where Erling Haaland waited - you know what comes next. 0-1 Manchester City.
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It was plain sailing in the second-half for the English Champions too, and Foden got himself on the scoresheet in fine fashion, combining with João Cancelo before twisting the Sevilla defence this way and that before firing low into the net and killing off the Spaniard’s resistance.
Haaland was at it again not long after that, as Foden saw his effort saved but not held by Bono in the Sevilla goal, and the Norwegian striker was there again to snaffle in the rebound and match his return from his Champions League debut at previous club Borussia Dortmund.
Just as it seemed to be winding down, there was time for one more City goal.
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Cancelo raised down the right flank after a corner scenario and put in a great low ball for Rúben Dias to tap in his first Champions League goal.
Here’s how we rated Manchester City’s players in a trademark victory over Sevilla in Spain:
Starting XI:
Ederson - 7
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So scarcely tested he might as well not have been there. Had another curious incident when throwing the ball out, similar to the Crystal Palace one, but got away with it.
João Cancelo - 8
Seemed a little more comfortable than he has been lately, driving forward at will. Lovely assist to Dias.
Manuel Akanji - 7.5
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Couldn’t have asked for a much easier debut. Confident on the ball and with what little defending he had to do.
Rúben Dias - 7.5
Similarly to Akanji, had very little to do at the back. Positioned well to grab his goal.
Sergio Gómez - 7.5
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Looked very comfortable slotting in on his first start for the club, often showing his strong technique.
Rodri - 7.5
Cut out some of the small lapses in concentration we’ve seen from him so far this season. Sprayed the ball around well.
Kevin de Bruyne - 8
Drove through the midfield with his usual exuberance, and set up Haaland’s first goal beautifully.
Bernardo Silva - 7.5
Back in midfield and back as the engine of the team. Slotted into any area he needed to to ensure City’s total control.
Phil Foden - 8.5 (MOTM)
So much more involved than he has been in a few disappointing displays lately. Involved in the first three goals before being afforded a rest.
Jack Grealish - 7
Showed his ability to run with the ball on his comeback from injury, and did a decent job in his hour on the pitch.
Erling Haaland - 8.5
Did exactly what he does. Bullied Sevilla’s backline with his strength and was in the right place to tuck in two more goals.
Substitutes:
Ilkay Gündogan - 6.5
Did some good midfield work, although was sometimes hesitant to release the killer pass.
Cole Palmer - 7
Was out to impress with his fast feet, and certainly did that as he gave Sevilla a whole new headache.
Julián Álvarez - 6.5
Made some promising runs which weren’t always picked up on by his teammates.
Kalvin Phillips - 7
Sprayed the ball around the pitch very confidently on his Champions League debut, looking right at home.
Riyad Mahrez - 6.5
Was sometimes a little indirect, as he has been in displays he’s struggled on recently, but was key to the final goal.
Topics: Manchester City, Sevilla, Champions League
Hamish MacRae