Savinho starred off the bench as Man City came from behind to beat Club Brugge (Image: Getty)
secured a nervy 3-1 victory over Club Brugge after going behind in a match they needed to win in order to qualify for a knockout round play-off.
Their recent struggles reared their ugly head in the first half, as a goal from Raphael Onyedika left ‘s shell-shocked players behind at the break. But Savinho rose from the bench to make himself the hero, playing a part in City’s second goal and scoring their third after Mateo Kovacic had levelled the game.
City just about fought their way into the top 24 on a night when big hitters like and looked uncomfortable and off the pace.
Here, Express Sport takes you through how each player performed…
Man City player ratings vs Club Brugge (3-2-4-1)
Ederson: 6
Alert to sprint off his line and clear a long ball over the top. Got his hand on the Onyedika goal, may feel as though he should have done better.
Matheus Nunes: 5
Playing in unfamiliar territory as the right-sided centre-back. Looked very fragile defensively and got skinned by Ferran Jutgla which led up to Onyedika’s opener. Did offer a bit going forward.
Manuel Akanji: 7
Saw plenty of the ball and did not make many mistakes. Made an important block inside the box.
Josko Gvardiol: 6
Not a polished performance defensively, even though he started well. But once again played his part on the attack, with his low cross going in off Joel Ordonez to put City in front.
Kevin De Bruyne (left) and Phil Foden (right) struggled against Club Brugge (Image: Getty)
John Stones: 7
Headed an absolute sitter wide early in the second half, but made up for it with a beautiful dink to assist Savinho for the goal that made it 3-1. City’s best pass of the night, from their best passer on the night.
Mateo Kovacic: 7
City were porous in central midfield for much of the game but Kovacic’s contribution came in attack, as his superb run from the halfway line and finish into the bottom corner brought City level.
Bernardo Silva: 6
A steady night for the Portuguese, who assisted Ilkay Gundogan for a first-half goal that was ruled out for offside.
: 5 (Lewis, 81)
Heavily involved but no escaping the fact he looked well off the pace. Wasted a selection of good chances but did produce a brilliant cross for Stones to head wide from close range.
Ilkay Gundogan: 5 (Savinho, 45)
Had the ball in the net but he was offside. Lost possession which led to Brugge’s opener, and then was hooked at the break.
Phil Foden: 4
Improved after moving into a central position in the second half, but his first-half showing on the left was really poor. Not effective enough on the ball, lost possession countless times and wasted good opportunities.
: 6
Didn’t have a touch in the first 20 minutes but gradually grew into the game. Produced a good lay-off for De Bruyne, who skied his chance. Haaland should have scored when he nicked the ball off the defender high up in the second half, but his effort was saved.
SUBS
Savinho: 8
City’s difference-maker. He should have started the game. Played Gvardiol in for the own goal, had a shot cleared off the line and fired in the hosts’ third after drifting in at the back post.
Rico Lewis: N/A
A late addition.