How the Citizens fared at the Etihad Stadium.
It was a clash between the two favourites for the Premier League title at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City hosted Chelsea.
READ MORE:
Chelsea player ratings v Manchester City
Frank Lampard goal v former side Chelsea
Impressive Andre Schurrle goal for the opener.
In what had been a relatively quiet affair thing sprung into life midway through the second half after Pablo Zabaleta was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Substitute Andre Schurrle then gave the Blues the lead, only for club legend Frank Lampard to equalise for his new side and here are how the Citizens rated.
1. Joe Hart – 6
Was barely tested during the game as City controlled things until Zabaleta’s dismissal and Hart could also do nothing about Schurrle’s opener.
5. Pabo Zabaleta – 4
His angry outburst and subsequent red card almost cost his team the match and Manuel Pellegrini is sure to be having words with the Argentine about his behaviour.
4. Vincent Kompany – 6
Did well up against the physical presence of Diego Costa, but was caught out for Schurrle’s strike.
20. Eliaquim Mangala – 7
A decent debut for the £32m signing from FC Porto and Mangala looked utterly at ease alongside Kompany in what should be a budding partnership.
11. Aleksandar Kolarov (Lampard, 78′) – 5
Not a great day for the Serbian, who’s usual potency going forward was lacking and defensively Kolarov was found wanting as well.
7. James Milner – 7
Preferred ahead of Samir Nasri and this decision from Pellegrini was proven right as Milner gave a strong performance and set up Lampard for the equaliser.
25. Fernandinho (Navas, 73′) – 6
Drafted back in to stifle Cesc Fabregas and Willian and did so relatively well and is likely to be called upon more in the future.
42. Yaya Toure – 5
On the biggest stage the 31-year-old stuttered once more and after a summer of disagreements with the club Toure is yet to find his form of last season.
21. David Silva – 5
Couldn’t really get involved in the game as Jose Mourinho’s defence kept the attacking midfielder quiet.
16. Sergio Aguero – 6
Other than the goal the best chance for the home side fell to Aguero, who couldn’t quite get it on target and although was lively was not really effective either.
10. Edin Dzeko (Sagna, 70′) – 4
An anonymous display from the striker who like Toure is finding it difficult to get into any sort of form at the moment.
Substitutions:
3. Bacary Sagna – 5
Came on to fill the gap created by Zabaleta’s dismissal and was solid if unremarkable and failed to deal with Schurrle.
15. Jesus Navas – 5
Thrown on by Pellegrini to try and create chances but couldn’t really get involved.
18. Frank Lampard – 7
Although it was clearly a difficult moment for the midfielder, scoring against his former club may well have saved City’s title ambitions.