CSKA Moscow 1 Man City 2: Player ratings as Sergio Aguero stars

CSKA Moscow

Igor Akinfeev Couldn’t do too much about Aguero’s two goals as his defenders were lacklustre marking City’s Argentine. Produced a full-stretch to deny Silva. 6/10

Georgi Schennikov Didn’t look too comfortable dealing with Navas’ pace on the right wing. Failed to cut out Negredo’s cross for Aguero’s second strike. 5

Sergei Ignashevich Looked out of his depth against the likes of Aguero and Silva. While the score-line was kept down in Russia, City could have more joy in the return fixture. 4

Vasili Berezutski Lasted all of five minutes before being replaced by his twin brother. May be thankful that he was spared the trauma of marking a prolific Aguero. N/A

Kirill Nababkin Was unable to stamp his authority on the match as he was dwarfed by Fernandinho and Toure. 5

Pontus Wernbloom Booked for a deliberate handball before half-time – his only notable contribution to the Group E clash. 5

Georgi Milanov Showed glimpses of his quality as he combined with Tošić in the second half. Earned a dangerous free-kick, too, but CSKA failed to capitalise. 6

Keisuke Honda Influential in CSKA’s midfield as City struggled to contain the Japanese midfielder. The 27-year-old created the home side’s opener, whilst he was a constant nuisance as CSKA pressed for leveller. But when his moment of potential glory came, Honda was unable to steer a finish past Hart in added time. 7

Steven Zuber Had the chance to play in Doumbia with City out of position but produced a poor pass for his strike partner in the opening period. Substituted early in the second half. 5

Zoran Tošić Looked a constant threat when CSKA had the chance to counter-attack with his pace. Capped a performance which may leave Manchester United fans wondering what could have been with a deft chipped goal. 7

Seydou Doumbia Looked to link up with Honda when Moscow were in possession. His pace kept City’s centre-half pairing on their toes but couldn’t quite get the break that his work ethic deserved. 6

Substitutes

Aleksei Berezutski Replaced his twin brother in the fifth minute. May have wished that he stayed on the bench as he was powerless to prevent Aguero bagging a brace. 4

Ahmed Musa Thought he had scored a sensational equaliser but was denied a memorable goal against City by the referee. 6.

Manchester City

Joe Hart Will surely feel that he could have done better with Tošić’s opener. Perhaps rushed too quickly off his line to make up the former United winger’s mind to attempt a chipped effort. Did make a couple of routine saves in the second half before a world-class block to deny Honda in the 93rd minute. 6

Pablo Zabaleta Conjured a lovely cross to tee up Aguero in the first half. The Argentine also showed off his skills as he combined with Silva to tee up Negredo for disallowed goal. Made a couple of timely interceptions. 7.

Matija Nastasić Made a vital challenge to deny Doumbia a clear run on Hart’s goal. However, he was found out of position for CSKA’s first-half goal. Conceded a soft free-kick on the stroke of full-time to ensure a nervy finish. 6

Javi García Beaten in the air far too often – almost fatally by Doumbia in the first half. Looked uncomfortable dealing with crosses into the area, too. Allowed Tošić freedom to life a finish over Hart. Did improve slightly in the second half. 4

Aleksandar Kolarov The City left-back had one of his quieter nights. Still, the Serb managed to have his customary free-kick attempt which failed to test Akinfeev. 5.

Fernandinho It was a testing night for the Brazilian against the mobile Honda. Tasked with keeping the Japan playmaker quiet, City’s summer signing was left trailing in his opponent’s wake on more than one occasion. 5

Jesús Navas Whilst Navas didn’t make any meaningful contribution to City’s victory, the Spaniard did show flashes of brilliance which showed why the Citizens were willing to pay £15m for his services this summer. 6.

David Silva Wasn’t at his silky best on a pitch which denied the Spanish magician the chance to produce his masterful best. However, Silva did provide an assist for Aguero’s opener. 6

Yaya Toure Spurned a third-minute chance to open the scoring. Still managed to control City’s tempo in the heart of midfield but wasn’t at his most influential. 6

Álvaro Negredo Continues to forge a promising understanding with Aguero, much to the presumable chagrin of Edin Dzeko. A delightful cross to find Aguero for City’s second goal. Had the ball in the net in the second half but the eagle-eyed referee spotted his handball. 7

Sergio Agüero (Man of the match) Great header to give Toure an early chance but the Ivorian fluffed his lines. Didn’t do much better with a scissor-kick attempt of his own. But his fortunes soon changed with a first-half brace. 8

Substitutes

Edin Dzeko Had a couple of chances to score from the bench but couldn’t find the net. 5

Samir Nasri N/A

Gael Clichy N/A