Manchester City took another step towards the Premier League title on Saturday as they overcame a spirited West Ham side 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Centre-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones have been City’s heroes this season, and the pair again caught the eye against the Hammers, albeit in a different capacity from usual as both were on the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, Mickael Antonio replied for West Ham, whose never-say-die attitude kept this game competitive until the last.
Man City 2-1 West Ham: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
But which players stood out most on the night?
✔️ GOOD PERFORMANCE
John Stones: 7.7
The renaissance of the England defender continued with a strong performance at the foundation of the City defence.
Defensively, he was extremely robust, winning all three aerial duels he competed in, as well as three duels on the ground. Furthermore, he chipped in with an interception and seven recoveries.
However, it was his goal that decided the match midway through the second half. His finish from a Riyad Mahrez cutback was a confident one, rifling the ball into the net after patient work from the winger.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.6
Another classy display from the Belgium international midfielder, who supplied the assist for Ruben Dias’ opening goal of the afternoon.
Completed a high percentage of his passes, many of which were incisive. Indeed, over half the balls he played to his team-mates were in the final third.
Allied to that, he created one big chance, supplied a match-high five crosses and completed four dribbles.
⭐ STAR MAN
Ruben Dias: 8.2
It is becoming customary for the former Benfica man to star with Manchester City, yet he continues to be arguably their outstanding performer this season.
On Saturday, his major contribution was to send a thumping header into the net to open the scoring.
Of course, he was reliable at the back, too. He completed seven recoveries of the ball, won two of his three headed duels, three of the four he contested on the deck and completed six clearances.
In possession, meanwhile, he was incredibly assured, completing 73 of his 77 pass attempts.
Man City 2-1 West Ham: Player Ratings, Match Stats, Player Stats
Rúben Dias 
John Stones 
Man City 
West Ham 
