PLAYER RATINGS v AEK ATHENS
DANNY WARD: A first clean sheet of the season for the Welshman and one of the easiest nights of his career. He didn’t touch the ball with his hands, but his kicking was accurate, and he provided good instructions and encouragement too. 7/10
JAMES JUSTIN: He’s the man who doesn’t get a break, but he is showing no weariness. Justin bombed up and down the right flank all evening, supporting Under and linking well with Praet.
7/10
WESLEY FOFANA: He binned the blonde hair and was strong again. A couple of passes went astray, but he pinged a nice ball out to Barnes in the build-up to the first goal and was rarely beaten at the back. 7/10
JONNY EVANS: The captain for the night led by example, stepping forward to make timely interceptions, while playing some pinpoint balls forward too. Backto-back impressive games for the centre-back.
8/10
LUKE THOMAS: His most mature display for City yet. Defensively, he positioned himself well to cut out long balls, while he combined with Barnes terrifically to make City a constant threat down the left. What a talent the teenager is. 9/10
WILFRED NDIDI: Another important run-out for the defensive midfielder, who is showing very little rustiness. He won the ball back by scampering around the middle of the park, but also scared the AEK players into poor touches with the speed of his press. 7/10
YOURI TIELEMANS: While there were no eye-of-the-needle passes to drool over, Tielemans kept his play simple and successful, knocking the ball around well to the dangerous wingers. 7/10
CENGIZ UNDER: Finally has his first goal and it was more than deserved. The fleet-footed Turk dribbled with directness and played several excellent passes through the lines. Caught his volley as sweetly as possible to open his account. 8/10
DENNIS PRAET: Read the game to make a number of interceptions, while he ran hard to break the lines with darting surges into the box. His touches around the area were excellent, albeit his crosses and final ball did not quite come off. 7/10
Unstoppable. Dribbled past AEK Athens players like they were statues, and while there was an element of fortune about his goal, it’s another one for his growing tally. Linked superbly with Thomas on the left. 9/10
HARVEY BARNES:
KELECHI IHEANCHO: Received the ball to feet to help bring Under and Barnes into play, showing some neat footwork and nice passes. The ball didn’t fall for him to add to his own collection of goals though. 7/10
SUBSTITUTES
PAPY MENDY: Kept it neat and tidy with City well on top after he was introduced. 6/10
AYOZE PEREZ: Looked a lot more confident after his goal at the weekend and nearly grabbed another if not for a good save. Worked in the right areas. 7/10
WES MORGAN: Won his headers and made a decent block 6/10
HAMZA CHOUDHURY: His interceptions led to some late counter-attacks. 6/10