Man City vs. Inter player ratings: Erling Haaland finally makes a mistake! Italian champions shut off Pep Guardiola’s team’s goal machine, forcing them to settle for a draw in the opening Champions League match.
In a rematch of the 2023 final, the Serie A team held out for a well-earned point despite the Norwegian striker’s poor luck getting possession of the ball.
In the Champions League, Manchester City had a difficult start as they drew 0-0 at home against Inter on Wednesday. Despite having an abundance of possession and trying to breach the Inter defense, the Serie A winners held firm.
Even though he showed early promise when Savinho’s cross put him in a dangerous position, the in-form Erling Haaland had a difficult first half hour as his header was easily saved. From that point on, the home team picked up the pace, pressing high and moving the ball around Inter’s half. However, City found it difficult to break through the tight defense and were mainly restricted to attempts from the outside of the box.
When the ball was squared to Phil Foden in the 70th minute, they gradually worked themselves into a great position, but Yann Sommer stopped his attempt. The next team to go close was Inter, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan mishandled a risky delivery and sent it sailing over the bar.
The game ended goalless as City kept trying to break through, but Inter was able to hold them off. Ilkay Gundogan missed two late headed opportunities.
Defense & Goalkeeper
Ederson (7/10):
made a number of outstanding saves to limit Inter’s few opportunities.
Ruben Dias (7 out of 10):
made several superb counterattack threats when Inter threatened.
Manuel Akanji (6 out of 10):
Robust with the ball, he stepped up to provide assistance as City attempted to breach a robust defense.
Gvardiol Josko (8/10):
A superb demonstration. made a huge clearance and carefully analyzed the game to make sure he did not miss anything.
Midfield
Rico Lewis: 6 out of 10.
He had to move quickly as he charged up and down the field while maintaining his composure.
Rodri (5 out of 10):
Too sluggish at handling the ball. impeded City’s assaults and provided Inter with a gap.
Pedro Silva (5 out of 10):
played a more center role and had a quiet first half, with no improvement on the right.
De Bruyne Kevin (6/10):
had a few scary moments, but an injury forced a substitution at halftime.
Attack
Jack Grealish: 7 out of 10
made a few deft passes that enabled Foden to have a great opportunity.
Erling Haaland (rated a 10).
had a few good opportunities, but the ball was rarely touched. One of the goal machine’s few off nights.
Savinho: 6 out of 10.
had a great first half, setting up Haaland with a well-placed cross, but was substituted at halftime.
Manager & Subs
Phil Foden (score of ten):
Midway through the second half, I had a fantastic opportunity.
Gundogan Ilkay (5/10):
attempted to join Lift City’s attacks, but was unable to find the net after getting caught by two risky balls.
Jeremy Doku (6/10):
created a vibrant impression throughout the final ten minutes.
Guardiola Pep (5/10):
Although his team was well positioned to control possession, they were unable to break through, and his replacements did little to change their approach.
