Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 0-0 Inter Milan (UEFA Champions League) | OneFootball

Manchester City were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Inter at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night despite two late chances from former captain Ilkay Gundogan.

Erling Haaland will have to wait another game for his 100th Manchester City goal as a resolute Inter defence kept the Norwegian international from taking any real chances created by his teammates.

The opening 20 minutes gave City fans little to get off their seat, with a Haaland header being the Blues’ only real chance at Yann Sommer’s goal. The visitors looked the more threatening side on the counter-attack after catching opposing midfielders sleeping.

Pep Guardiola’s side finally started to cause the visitors’ defence problems as Savinho got on the ball more and ran at his defender. The Brazilian certainly looked the biggest threat down the right side with a rapid turn of pace.

Despite the increasing pressure from City, Simone Inzaghi’s team still looked dangerous when breaking with speed. Josko Gvardiol came to Ederson’s rescue as the goalkeeper’s clearance found a black and blue shirt, and the Croatian headed away with our number 31 out of the net.

Pep Guardiola made two changes at half-time, taking off a limping Kevin De Bruyne for Ilkay Gundogan, and swapping Savinho for last season’s Premier League Player of the Season, Phil Foden.

A sigh of relief was felt around the Etihad Stadium early in the second-half as former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian attempted a back-heel pass despite being through against Ederson, only to find Jack Grealish.

Sommer was called into action in the 70th minute to deny Phil Foden a goal at the end of a beautifully crafted and intricate passing move. A series of first-time passes inside the Inter penalty area found the Englishman in space, but his effort was stopped by the Swiss stopper.

Sommer then had to prevent an effort from Josko Gvardiol shortly after Henrikh Mkhitaryan had the opportunity to put the visitors in front. The Inter defence was proving to be a difficult force to break down for the Blues.

Manchester City fans thought they were about to see a winning goal from substitute Ilkay Gundogan, as he had a free header just six-yards out from Inter’s goal, but his effort went straight into the gloves of Yann Sommer.

The returning German had another golden opportunity to win the game right at the death, but his flying header went just over the crossbar in the final moments – a moment that sums up the game for the Manchester City players.

City will now turn back towards the Premier League as they host last season’s title race rivals Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. But before then, here is how we assessed the individual performances from Wednesday night!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Ederson – 7

Made a few saves in the first half and had an okay game in general.

Manuel Akanji – 7

Played a key role in keeping the high line to catch the visiting attackers offside. Very fast when getting back in position to defend.

Ruben Dias – 6.5

Struggled a little with the pace of Marcus Thuram and was unfortunate to pick up a yellow card in the first half. Communicated well with the other defenders. Took over captaincy when Kevin De Bruyne came off with an injury.

Josko Gvardiol – 7 (MOTM)

Ventured forward to create overloads in the attacking third but still came back to help with the counter-attacks.

Rico Lewis – 7

Still building his relationship with Savinho but looks more comfortable every game in midfield.

Rodri – 7

Caught out of position every now and again as the visitors flew up the pitch to counter. Controlled the game when in possession.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Covered every blade of grass and took joy in flicking the ball around the Inter Milan midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5

Was a threat down the left side with Jack Grealish but came off at half-time after hobbling towards the end of the first half.

Savinho – 7

Unfortunate to be taken off at half-time. Looked the most dangerous on the right side and brought the crowd into the game.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

Had a few half chances but is still looking for his 100th Manchester City goal. It was good to see him dropping deeper to be involved in the build-up play.

Jack Grealish – 7

Always looking to come inside the pitch but the low defensive block kept him at bay. Linked up nicely with Kevin De Bruyne in the first half. Came alive in the second half to cause problems.

Substitutes

Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5

Played the ball around the final third and should have scored from his two late headed efforts.

Phil Foden – 7

Should have done better with his effort in the box but was the main man when he came on.

Jeremy Doku – 6.5

Added an element of pace and dynamism on the right side but the Inter defence dealt with his crosses and passes into their penalty area.