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Man City player ratings vs West Ham: Sterling shines after VAR takes limelight
MANCHESTER CITY started their Premier League campaign with a 5-0 win against West Ham at the London Stadium. These are the Express Sport player ratings as Raheem Sterling shone with a hat-trick, with VAR playing a key role.
West Ham vs Man City: Premier League match preview
Manchester City kickstarted their Premier League season with a rampant win over West Ham United.
Jesus, Sterling (three) and a Sergio Aguero penalty was enough to help City leapfrog Liverpool after the first match.
Raheem Sterling was the Man of the Match after recording a superb hat-trick, while also having an assist ruled out through VAR.
The England international is set to have a major role in this season’s Premier League and has started as he means to go on.
VAR was used for the first time in the Premier League
VAR was used for the first time in the Premier League after ruling out a second Jesus goal at 2-0.
A beautiful section of passing ultimately ended with a Jesus tap-in, but on reflection, Sterling’s shoulder was millimetres offside.
Elsewhere, Aguero was given reprise and allowed to retake a penalty that was saved by Lukas Fabianski.
The goalkeeper had crept over his goal line before the ball was kicked, allowing Aguero to retake the kick, which he subsequently scored.
Manchester City player ratings vs West Ham United
GK: Ederson - 7
Had few saves to make, but pulled off an excellent double save when called upon. As always, superb playing out from the back.
RB: Kyle Walker - 7
Powerful assist to set up City’s first goal. Warning fired to new signing Joao Cancelo. Booked.
CB: John Stones - 7
Enjoys playing with these players around him, that know exactly where he plans to provide an outlay pass. Strong presence in the City box.
CB: Aymeric Laporte - 8
Another strong performance from Guardiola’s main centre-back, against a strong Michail Antonio. Made some crucial interceptions and tackles.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko - 7
Growing into this City team and never looked out of place. Always making space for Laporte and Stones.
CM: Rodri - 8
Signs of a really good player, but still growing into his new role. Calm and collected on the ball and always on the half turn. Gave the ball away a few times, but made up for his mistakes.
CM: David Silva - 6
Captain Silva performed admirably, sitting slightly deeper in position to let De Bruyne push forward.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne - 7
Almost back to his brilliant best after spending most of last season injured, but showing no signs of rustiness. Did incredibly well to set up Sterling’s first goal and always provided an outlet for the defence.
RW: Riyad Mahrez - 8
Impressive performance on the right-hand side, and was the first to test Fabianski. Terrified Cresswell in the first-half.
LW: Raheem Sterling - 10
Hat-trick hero. Scored three excellent goals and had an assist ruled out through VAR. One glorious goal saw Sterling chip the ball over Fabianski. Buzzing around the West Ham defensive line from start to finish. Booked.
ST: Gabriel Jesus - 9
Scored the first goal after a terrific prodded finish. He was all over the pitch helping in his defensive duties, leading from the front.
SUB: Sergio Aguero (on for Jesus, 68 mins) - 6
Dreadful first penalty, but made amends with his second.
SUB: Ilkay Gundogan (on for De Bruyne, 79 mins) - 6
SUB: Phil Foden (on for D. Silva, 79 mins) - 6