Swindon — Manchester City 1:4. Rumours of a Mad Max — inspired post-apocalyptic City line-up proved exaggerated. None of the masseurs or cashiers ever made it into the starting line-up:
Zack Steffen. Bored so badly that a soft pass to McKirdy tried to bring intrigue into the game. The ungrateful hippy later stabbed him in the near post.
Kyle Walker. The settled father of the family stopped the most (well really) dangerous attack by the red men there. 107 assists and an overall deserved yellow.
Nathan Ake. He broke the laws of gravity very beautifully as he flew onto de Bruyne’s hump. Didn’t allow the rugbyman to make a single touchdown. “Rugby player” is not a value judgement but a fact: for the sake of football Simpson gave up a promising rugby career.
Ruben Dias. Nature has been so cleared of enemy attacks that he was determined to have nothing to do.
Joao Cancelo. Quickly brought out Bernardo for a comfortable shot from eleven yards out (the marker loomed close), unopposed by the foes, but past him. Five tackles.
Rodri. (Almost) like everyone else — there were chances. But the ball first got stuck in a crowd of strangers and home teammates, before banging powerfully over the crossbar. Seven rebounds and 113 assists.
Ilkay Gundogan. Fooled everyone, especially the wall and the enemy goalkeeper. Tricky.
Cole Palmer. In the opening seconds he decided to test the luck and resilience of the red-and-white defenders. And then their agility and quickness. The latter was not enough and ended in goals from Silva and the youngster himself. And if the junta’s intention (in selling Torres) was not simply to strengthen the Barça native, but to get more game time for Palmer, then that’s nice !
Kevin de Bruyne. Tidied up neatly for a goal by Jesus.
Bernardo. A combination of habitually energetic running around the pitch quickly transformed into a goal. However, he should have netted at least three…
Gabriel Jesus. He scored, fair play and horribly failed to convert the spot-kick. Overall, in the thick of things. Swindon — Manchester City 1:4. Well done!
