Sevilla 0-4 Man City: Player ratings as Foden brilliant and Haaland brace inspires comfortable win

Manchester City kicked off their 2022/23 Champions League in perfect fashion by cruising to a 4-0 win against Sevilla away from home.

Erling Haaland scored another two goals – his 11th and 12th for the club in only eight appearances – while Phil Foden also got in on the action with a fine strike in an excellent overall performance from the England international. Ruben Dias made it four in stoppage time.

City dominated from the early stages of the match, with Sevilla struggling to put together much of anything. But the quality from the visitors was also tellingly lacking during that period – Kevin De Bruyne’s radar seemed slightly askew and others couldn’t quite nail the final ball.

That all changed 20 minutes in when De Bruyne did get it right, sending a fierce low ball across the six-yard box that was met by the outstretched endless leg of City’s red hot Norwegian number nine.

Half an hour in, De Bruyne himself rippled the outside of the net with a curling free-kick that had Sevilla goalkeeper Bono worried enough to fly across his goal.

Sevilla, having hardly created anything for nearly 40 minutes, saw a glorious chance to equalise in the closing stages of the first half when Papu Gomez blazed over to the right of the six-yard box.

The hosts had some renewed vigour straight after half-time after a double substitution from Julen Lopetegui, although it took an outstanding one-on-one save from Bono to stop De Bruyne from doubling City’s advantage on a rapid counter attack.

That brief response was killed when Foden did make it 2-0, stroking a perfect effort into the bottom corner after being fed by Joao Cancelo.

Substitute Ilkay Gundogan soon thought he had made it three for City from close range, only to see an offside flag raised, but the flag stayed down for Haaland’s second of the night, pulling away from the Sevilla defenders and pouncing on a rebound from Foden’s saved shot for an easy goal.

City could have been forgiven for dropping their intensity at 3-0 up, but still they continued to swarm around Sevilla players to win the ball back at every opportunity.

Sevilla’s disappointing performances was summed up by it taking 82 minutes for their first shot on target, an effort from former Liverpool and Milan winger Suso that was easily saved by Ederson.

Substitutes Cole Palmer and Julian Alvarez both went close to getting City’s fourth in a stoppage time melee, the former denied by a sprawling Bono save and the latter a goal line clearance. Instead, that honour went to Dias, whose tap in was impossible to miss after a delightful cross from Cancelo.

Manchester City player ratings

Ederson- 6/10

Had one shot on target to deal with all night and, other than collecting crosses, the goalkeeper had a quiet game. His biggest test was racing out to clear a short back pass.

Joao Cancelo- 7/10

Played from right-back and looked to get forward whenever possible, while also looking solid defensively. Registered an assist.

Manuel Akanji- 7/10

An impressive debut from the defender who looked good in possession and slotted in seamlessly at the back. He was calm with the ball, and saved City with two or three great interceptions. He should fit seamlessly into this side on this showing, and looks a bargain already at £15m.

Ruben Dias- 6/10

On the rare occasions he was forced into action, City’s No.3 dealt well with any threats from Sevilla. completed the rout with a rare goal.

Sergio Gomez- 6/10

Didn’t look out of place as he started at left-back and the early signs are that the former Anderlecht man is a technically proficient player. Will face tougher defensive tests than he got here of course.

Rodri- 7/10 (off 78)

Played a huge part in City’s first-half domination as the Spaniard kept the ball moving in the middle. Rodri rarely gave the ball away all night. Pushed really high to try and win the ball back and misplaced only one pass all night.

Bernardo Silva- 7/10

Good all-round performance in the centre of the pitch. Started at the base of midfield but moved to the right wing, before ending back in the centre of the park. Like most in sky blue, he showed plenty of energy, drove forward at will and helped City dominate possession.

Kevin De Bruyne- 8/10 (off 78)

Seemed to be everywhere and was constantly surging forward on the ball, looking for gaps in behind the Sevilla defence. Another great showing from the midfielder.

Phil Foden- 9/10 (off 70)

An excellent performance from Foden who played a part in all three goals. The City youth product was dynamic, took up dangerous positions and moved the ball quickly. We gave Foden our man-of-the-match award.

Erling Haaland- 8/10 (off 70)

Another devastating impact from the man of the moment. Both goals were typical centre-forward finishes, both of which were first-time strikes. The No.9 also linked well with the likes of Foden and De Bruyne.

Jack Grealish- 7/10 (off 62)

Looked good on his return to the team and demonstrated plenty of flair and desire to get on the ball. Grealish misplaced a few passes but, overall, had a good night.

Ilkay Gundogan- 7/10 (on 62)

Adapted immediately to the pace of the game and helped City maintain their chokehold on proceedings.

Cole Palmer- 6/10 (on 70)

Got on the ball a lot but didn’t take many risks, unsurprisingly, given the scoreline.

Julian Alvarez- 6/10 (on 70)

Didn’t have many touches but nearly scored in injury-time.

Riyad Mahrez (on 78), Kalvin Phillips (on 78)