Manchester City thrashed Norwich City 4-0 at Carrow Road on Saturday evening and Ilkay Gundogan was one of many players who impressed. The 31-year-old was given a player rating of 8/10 by Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News and was hailed by Andy Morrison on City’s Matchday Live.
Against Norwich, Gundogan played for 90 minutes, had 82 touches, won one aerial duel, completed 90.8% of his 65 passes, created two chances, had two shots with 50% hitting the target, whipped in five crosses with 20% accuracy, found a teammate with seven of his eight long-range passes, made one tackle, had one successful dribble and made three interceptions.
Gundogan didn’t grab an assist against Norwich but was involved in the build up of Phil Foden’s goal, pelling down the left flank and whipping a ball into the box that was eventually converted. Morrison praised the German international’s creativity at Carrow Road, saying: “His movement is so clever.
“It looks like a simple movement. It is basically pulling off the shoulder into a little space to the left and right of the 18-yard box and he does it so well. It’s his perception of space and time. He gets the timing right and doesn’t go offside.”
Gundogan has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring six goals with four assists. He’s a regular under Pep Guardiola when fit and is still turning in brilliant performances in the twilight years of his career.