Manchester City and Inter Milan played out a thrilling 0-0 draw in Round 1 of the UEFA Champions League at the Etihad Stadium on September 18. In a repeat of the final in 2023, both sides created chances but were unable to convert them.
With one eye on the important Premier League clash against Arsenal on September 22, Pep Guardiola fielded a stronf lineup for this game. Being the home side, Manchester City dominated possession in the early exchanges as Inter Milan resorted to defending in numbers. However, City were quite wasteful in the first period as they missed several opportunities to score.
Erling Haaland managed his team’s only shot on target in the first period with a looping header that Yann Sommer caught with ease. Apart from that, Savinho had a decent chance but miscued his shot into the stands. The Norwegian had another good chance in the 35th minute but saw his shot roll agonizingly close to the wrong side of the post.
Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne had his team’s last decent chance of the first period but fired his close-range attempt straight into Sommer’s midriff. Carlos Augusto then found himself through on goal for Inter Milan on the cusp of half-time but saw his attempt saved by Ederson as the two teams were tied at 0-0 at the break.
Unlike in the first half, Inter Milan were more subdued in the second as they preferred maintaining shape and attacked only when a clear opportunity presented itself. Phil Foden’s introduction gave Manchester City a quicker attacking outlet but the Englishman could not make good of his chances. The best one came when Foden was unmarked in the box but fired a low shot straight at the ‘keeper.
Inter Milan found themselves on the break with Matteo Darmian but the fullback chose to try a backheel rather than a shot which infuriated his manager Simone Inzaghi. Henrikh Mkhitaryan arguably had the visitors’ best chance of the second period come his way but skied his shot from near the penalty spot.
Ilkay Gundogan had two glorious chances to win the game late on, with the first coming in the 88th minute from Josko Gvardiol’s cross as he nodded it straight down Sommer’s throat. Then, with the last play of the game in the 94th minute, Gundogan was unmarked in the box but could not direct his diving header goalwards as the game ended 0-0.
That said, let’s take a look at Manchester City’s player ratings.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Ederson – 7.5/10
The Brazilian made three good saves to keep Inter Milan at bay as he earned a well-deserved clean sheet.
Manuel Akanji – 7.5/10
Akanji continued to show why Guardiola rates him highly, winning four duels and making two clearances, one block and one interception.
Ruben Dias – 7.5/10
Dias won five duels and made two clearances and one interception, and was the only player to receive a booking in the game for a foul in the first half.
Josko Gvardiol – 8.5/10
Gvardiol seems to be flourishing in his new role that allows him both offensive and defensive flexibility. He won two duels, making two blocks and two interceptions, as well as a key clearance when Ederson was off his line. The Croatian also played one key pass and one accurate cross.
Rico Lewis – 7/10
Lewis passed the ball with 92% accuracy including one key pass in a decent display.
Rodri – 7.5/10
Scorer of the UCL-winning goal in 2023 against the same opposition, Rodri won four duels and played one key pass in this match.
Savinho – 6.5/10
Savinho looked off-color and missed a big chance to put Manchester City up in the first half and was subbed off at the interval.
Bernardo Silva – 6.5/10
Silva struggled to get involved in the final third as well since most of City’s key moves were built-up down their left flank.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7/10
De Bruyne played two key passes and one accurate cross, and also attempted three shots which were all off-target. However, he suffered an injury and was subbed off at half-time.
Jack Grealish – 8/10
Grealish had a great game on the ball as he passed the ball with 88% accuracy, including four key passes. He also won seven duels and attempted three shots but failed to hit the target.
Erling Haaland – 7/10
Haaland had just 14 touches of the ball but attempted three shots and hit the target once. He also played one key pass.
Substitutes
Phil Foden – 7.5/10
Foden came on for the second half and passed the ball with 95% accuracy, including three key passes. He also won three duels.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5/10
Gundogan came on for the second half as well but missed two sitters late in the game to win it for Manchester City.
Jeremy Doku – 6.5/10
Doku came on late in the game but failed to make the desired impact.
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