Manchester City 1 Chelsea 0: City player ratings as the FA Cup holders fight their way to the FA Cup final | OneFootball

Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City booked their place in this season’s FA Cup final with a 1-nil win over Chelsea at Wembley. Pep Guardiola’s side showed all of their winning mentality and determination to overcome fatigue and a determined Chelsea side to book their place in this season’s FA Cup final.

For Pep Guardiola’s side, they overcame an absurd fixture and the absence of Erling Haaland to beat Chelsea. Bernardo Silva scored City’s winner in the 84th minute when he tapped in a Kevin De Bruyne cross to give the FA Cup holders the lead. They would then dig in defensively to keep Chelsea at bay to seal a famous win.

It wasn’t Manchester City at their sparkling best, but the game was never going to see a dominant Manchester City display. Given that fact, they had played 120 minutes of intense football against Real Madrid only a couple of days earlier it was a remarkable win by the world champions. Pep Guardiola’s side showed everything that has made them so successful in recent seasons as they dug in and rode their luck to see off Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The win speaks volumes for City’s character and showed why they have been so dominant in domestic and European football in recent times.

Here are the City player ratings from a famous win for Pep Guardiola’s side.

City player ratings

Stefan Ortega-8/10: Ortega was once again superb in goal. He made several crucial saves to deny Chelsea taking the lead. His contribution was crucial in Manchester City’s victory.

Kyle Walker-7/10: He started poorly as he looked tired in the early stages. Walker grew into the game, especially defensively, as his pace neutralized Chelsea’s threat on the break.

John Stones – 5/10: It is clear that John Stones isn’t fully fit. He doesn’t look anywhere near his best, and his first half display was well below his usual high standards.

Manuel Akanji-8/10: A superb performance from Akanji. The Swiss international was arguably City’s man-of-the-match with a great all-around performance.

Nathan Ake-7/10: A typical no-nonsense display from Ake. Did his job at left-back with minimal fuss.

Rodri-7/10: City’s midfield general looked tired early on but grew into the game. Whenever Pep Guardiola’s side needs him, he is there as he grew into the game in the second half.

Kevin De Bruyne-7.5/10: He wasn’t at his best, but he willed his side to victory. Set up City’s winner and never stopped working in an inspirational performance.

Phil Foden-7/10: At times, he threatened to be the match winner playing in a central role in midfield. His class was evident throughout City’s hard fought win.

Bernardo Silva-7/10: No one deserved the match winning moment more than Bernardo. He showed his incredible mental strength to bounce back from Wednesday night’s disappointment to score City’s late winner.

Jack Grealish-7/10: He was arguably City’s biggest attacking threat before he was substituted. Was on the receiving end of a tough Moises Caceido challenge that saw his day end.

Julian Alvarez- 6/10: He toiled away as usual but had no influence on the game. His workrate can never be faulted, but he has to start offering more.

Substitutes

Ruben Dias-7/10: Dias helped steady City’s defence after being introduced at half-time.

Jeremy Doku-7.5/10: Another superb cameo off the bench from Doku. He tormented the Chelsea defence and played a key role in Bernardo Silva’s winner.

Oscar Bobb-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.