Manchester City came from behind to beat FC Porto 3-1 in Wednesday’s opening Champions League Group C game, courtesy of goals from Sergio Aguero, Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres. Gundogan was named Man of the Match, but supporters believe Kyle Walker deserved the award for his performance.
The 30-year-old made a brilliant goalline clearance to stop Porto going 2-1 in the first half and was a busy player throughout. He saw a lot of the ball, was diligent in his defensive duties and was the only one from the backline to come away with any credit from fans.
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Kyle Walker may have the odd brain fart but he’s been an absolute powerhouse for city over the years. Unbelievably consistent and up there as one of (if not the) quickest in the league. His recovery speed is unmatched.
— diasSZN (@unknowncitehfan) October 22, 2020
Kyle Walker is irreplaceable
— CityCharlie (@McfcChar1ie) October 22, 2020
Kyle Walker has been the best defender in the league for quite some time now.
— 🅰️nubis💙🇪🇬 (@FerociousFerran) October 22, 2020
— Juiće 🥤 (@keith_muneti) October 21, 2020
Great defending by Walker, but awful from everybody else. This defence is a shambles. #MCFC #UCL
— MancSoMCFC 🐝 ✊ #nopasaran 3.5% #resist (@ManCandLovingIt) October 21, 2020
Walker's been superb today. Till he does something really stupid #MCFC
— I'm 🆎 (@oddity1912) October 21, 2020
Walker saves #mcfc time and time again, great player
— JC (@JimmyCunliffe) October 21, 2020
Kyle Walker once again magnificent there. His form this season has been so good amidst some genuine chaos around him. My cap is doffed in Kyles direction #mcfc
— Lee Bromfield (@LeeBrom) October 21, 2020
Thought Torres looked really good last night!! Be good to see him get a full game with Phil and see them link together more!!
Walker was as good as ever!! Still one of our most dependable!!#MCIPOR #MCFC #ManCity #BlueMoon— Stu (@mancitystu) October 22, 2020
Fact: Walker is soooooo underrated #MCFC #ManCity #Walker
— BG🇧🇼™️ (@El_Mago21_) October 22, 2020
Against Porto, Walker played for 90 minutes, had 96 touches, won two aeriel duels, completed 86.3% of his 80 passes, had 100% accuracy from his crosses, found a teammate with 50% of his long balls, made three clearances, had one dribble, made one interception, picked up a booking and made three tackles.
The £36m-rated England international has made seven appearances in all competitions this season, playing every minute of football in the Premier League and Champions League. Walker showed his quality in midweek, but our defence is a problem.
Porto opened up us numerous times at the Etihad Stadium and we’ve conceded nine goals in seven games across the board, keeping only two clean sheets, so Pep Guardiola needs to make us watertight again.