Manchester City booked their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
The Premier League champions made a series of changes to the lineup that started in their enthralling 2-1 win over Fulham at the weekend.
Rico Lewis, Cole Palmer and Stefan Ortega were amongst those who were given a chance to impress against Graham Potter's side, who named former City star Raheem Sterling on the bench on his return to the Etihad Stadium.
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Here's how Pep Guardiola's men fared in their opening Carabao Cup tie of the campaign-
Stefan Ortega - 9/10 (MOTM)
Pivotal in net from start to finish, denied the visitors on plenty of occasions, notably keeping his clean sheet intact when Lewis Hall came close to getting in on the act a few times.
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Another reliable showing from the German that will certainly delight Guardiola and pile pressure on Ederson.
Rico Lewis - 7/10
The young English full-back is brimming with confidence and was rewarded for his recent performances with another start in the absence of Kyle Walker.
Lewis combined well with fellow academy graduate Cole Palmer and Riyad Mahrez, being a potent attacking threat in the first half in particular, though he was often beaten by Chelsea young gun Lewis Hall.
Ruben Dias - 7/10
Dias was at his calm, assured self alongside Aymeric Laporte in central defence throughout to cap off a welcome clean sheet for the Portuguese, who came come under criticism for his displays of late.
Aymeric Laporte - 7/10
Having spent the start of the season on the sidelines, Laporte seems to be returning to his best slowly but surely as the Spain international commanded the backline and helped keep Chelsea at bay.
Sergio Gomez - 8/10
One of City's best players on the night, the young Spaniard was full of energy down the flank and was a constant menace for the visitors' backline whilst providing cover in defence for City.
Cole Palmer - 7.5/10
Another performance that deserves nothing but praise. Palmer has been patient for minutes during his troubles with injury this year but Palmer truly reminded Guardiola of how good he can be when given the opportunity with a stellar attacking performance.
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The Wythenshawe-born star drove towards the Chelsea backline and was constantly involved in City's attack, sending a key message to his manager at a key point of the season.
Rodri - 8/10
No nonsense as usual but Rodri's hold up play and shrewdness in possession allowed the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Cole Palmer to join the attack.
Ilkay Gundogan - 7/10
Since he took over as club captain from Fernandinho in the summer, Ilkay Gundogan has played some of his best football in a City shirt.
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The German midfielder took over from where he left off against Fulham at the weekend with another stellar display in the heart of midfield.
Riyad Mahrez - 8.5/10
Silenced his critics once again with a peach of a free kick that left Edouard Mendy stranded. The Algerian has endured a slow start to the season but his form of late will surely please Guardiola as he rotates his pack around.
Julian Alvarez - 8.5/10
Continued his scoring run with a third strike in as many games across all competitions as Erling Haaland remained on the bench. Haaland's absence might have sparked some concern amongst the City fanbase but Alvarez's form in front of goal is indicating there may be no need to worry after all.
Jack Grealish - 8.5/10
Perhaps the unluckiest player in English football today, Grealish did everything right but as has been the case way too many times for him since his switch to City, the former Aston Villa skipper just couldn't find the back of the net.
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He was City's best attacker by some distance as he showed from start to finish and he once again repaid Guardiola's faith in his record signing.
Substitutes-
Kalvin Phillips - 7/10
Bernardo Silva - 7/10
Nathan Ake - 7/10
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics:Β Manchester City, Premier League, Chelsea, Carabao Cup, Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez, Graham Potter, Pep Guardiola, EFL Cup
