Manchester City came into Tuesday’s game with Young Boys well aware that a victory would secure early passage into the Champions League knockout rounds, and they duly delivered, thanks in no small part to Erling Haaland, who was only deemed half-fit before the game.
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Barely troubled throughout a quiet night.
Kyle Walker
Drove an excellent free-kick at goal, forcing a good save. Rarely in danger in defence but got up and down well. Replaced on the hour by Phillips.
Ruben Dias
He may never have an easier night. Organised and cajoled constantly.
Josko Gvardiol
Was able to step up routinely and was strong in his distribution.
His usual economical self in possession in midfield before his surprise withdrawal at half-time. It remains unclear if he is injured or if he was merely being rested.
Rico Lewis
Denied only by a brilliant goal-line clearance early on. Moves the ball so well; City have a player on their hands here.
Matheus Nunes
Won City’s penalty with a clever piece of control in the area and kept looking to get forward, although his finishing left something to be desired.
Mateo Kovacic
Danced through Young Boys’ defence to win a free-kick early on. Superb footwork and a level above the visitors’ midfield. Replaced by Doku late on.
Attack
Phil Foden
Scored a superb goal, collecting Grealish’s pass and driving into the box before curling an effort into the bottom corner. Some excellent touches when under immense pressure, as Young Boys doubled up on him.
Erling Haaland
Scored coolly from the spot after Nunes was brought down, then completed a stunning brace with a fierce effort from the edge of the box that was rifled into the top corner. Subbed for Bobb on the hour. A sensational showing, and even more so given that he was subbed at half-time at the weekend.
Jack Grealish
Provided an excellent assist for Foden and played some truly sumptuous passes. The defence could not get near him at times.
Subs & Manager
Nathan Ake
Subbed on at half-time. Had more time on the ball in Young Boys’ half than his own.
Oscar Bobb
On for Haaland. Some promising touches but the 20-year-old could not fashion a chance for himself.
Kalvin Phillips
A rare appearance as he came on for Walker on the hour. Saw a shot deflected just wide of the post but kept City ticking from deep.
Jeremy Doku
On for Kovacic late on. Almost provided an assist for Nunes immediately but the midfielder fluffed his chance. Some truly outrageous trickery, as he almost mocked Young Boys’ defence.
Pep Guardiola
A straightforward night at the office. City were always likely to win and they did, as Guardiola fielded a strong XI and rotated after the hour mark, with the game already won.
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