Unanswered goals from Yaya Toure, Frank Lampard and Gael Clichy secured a 3-0 win for Manchester City away at Southampton this afternoon.
City were one goal to the good through Toure when defender Eliaquim Mangala was handed his marching orders for second bookable offence, but that did not prevent them from going on to record a comfortable victory.
Here, Sports Mole has rated the performances of each of the players on show at St Mary's Stadium.
SOUTHAMPTON
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Goal
Fraser Forster: The England international was at fault for Aston Villa's goal last week, but he could do little about the three that flew into his net today. (6/10)
Defence
Nathaniel Clyne: The right-back often produces dynamic displays up and down the wing, but his side's struggle to keep hold of possession limited his impact. (6/10)
Jose Fonte: Fonte threw himself bravely in front of numerous shots and passes, but he was lucky not to concede an early penalty for a foul on Aguero. (6/10)
Toby Alderweireld: Playing at centre-back in the first half, the Belgian made some good interceptions. Then, when deployed in a holding-midfield role after the restart, he continued to read the game extremely well. On loan from Atletico Madrid, the Saints would do well to tie him down to a permanent deal. (7/10)
Ryan Bertrand: Similar to Clyne in that he never really got the chance to get forward to help his team in an attacking sense. Defensively, he did little wrong. (6/10)
Midfield
Victor Wanyama: The Kenyan has earned some plaudits for his displays this term, but he was off the pace today. There were occasions when his passing was particularly wayward, and his early booking prevented him from committing fully to challenges. (5/10)
Morgan Schneiderlin: It was an energetic showing from the Frenchman, who won a number of important challenges in midfield before he was taken off injured at the break. (6/10)
Steven Davis: Brought into the team to add some solidity, as well as keep things simple, Davis was doing well until he gave away possession and City went on to score their second goal. He was replaced soon after. (6/10)
Dusan Tadic: The Serbian has set such high standards this term that it is noticeable when he is not so effective. This certainly was not his best performance as he failed to get involved too often. (5/10)
Sadio Mane: The winger was nowhere near his best today, with a string of wayward crosses and shots. Having posed little threat, he was eventually substituted. (5/10)
Attack
Graziano Pelle: It is hard to criticise him when, as the lone centre-forward, he was starved of supply for most of the match. (6/10)
Substitutes
Maya Yoshida: The centre-back came on at the break and was solid enough defensively. (6/10)
Shane Long: There were occasions when his pace caused City problems, which may lead his manager to start him next time out. (6/10)
Emmanuel Mayuka: He was thrown on to rescue the situation at 2-0 down, but a third goal for City ended the game as a contest and meant that Mayuka barely touched the ball. (5/10)
MAN CITY
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Goal
Joe Hart: Criticised during the week for some poor positioning, Hart made amends today. He did not have too much to do, but when he was called into action, he carried out his work with minimal fuss. (6/10)
Defence
Pablo Zabaleta: Back in the side and it was a trademark display from the Argentine full-back. He got forward well, while giving little away in a defensive sense. (7/10)
Vincent Kompany: There were occasions when the usually-dependable skipper looked erratic, both in and out possession. Having said that, he did still make some important tackles and clearances. (6/10)
Eliaquim Mangala: The £32m man has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League and that continued today. Booked in the first half, he was then red carded when trying to atone for Toure's error. Another afternoon to forget for the centre-back. (5/10)
Gael Clichy: After a steady defensive display, Clichy made sure of the outcome with two minutes remaining when he fired in the third goal and his first in City colours. (7/10)
Midfield
Fernandinho: At the base of the City midfield, Fernandinho provided an effective shield in front of the back four. In possession, he kept things simple and often picked out a teammate. (6/10)
Yaya Toure: Much better from the Ivorian, who worked hard off the ball and linked well with his teammates. His goal was the sort of impact that he has been lacking for most of the season. (7/10)
Jesus Navas: His pace caused problems on occasions, but he should arguably provide a more consistent threat. The Spaniard spurned a good chance to make it 2-0 in the second half. (6/10)
Samir Nasri: He recently called upon his teammates to produce better performances, but maybe he should take his own advice. The playmaker was ineffective in both a wide and central position, so it came as little surprise when he was replaced. (5/10)
Attack
Stevan Jovetic: There were occasions when the Montenegro international looked lively and showed a good understanding with his teammates, but he was too often on the periphery of proceedings. (5/10)
Sergio Aguero: Usually a scorer of goals, Aguero turned provider today. He claimed two assists to round off what was a typically lively showing. (7/10)
Substitutes
James Milner: He will probably have been disappointed with his dropping to the bench, but Milner responded well when brought on. He always kept the ball moving and made a handful of good challenges. (6/10)
Frank Lampard: If City had any doubts about trying to extend Lampard's loan spell, then they will have surely evaporated. He scored the important second goal and then let the clock tick by with a succession of neat passes. (7/10)
Martin Demichelis: Brought on to fill the void left by the dismissed Mangala, Demichelis was solid and took no chances, while playing a role in City's third. (6/10)
Liam Apicella
