STARTING XI
Claudio Bravo – Alert against Basel’s pacy attackers on edge of box, charging out three times to defuse dangerous situations. However there’s a reason why Pep Guardiola replaced him with Ederson – he was far too easily beaten at the near post for Michael Lang’s winner. 5
Danilo – Did not cover himself in glory for breakdown in defence that led to Mohamed Elyounoussi’s equaliser. Regained composure and made a couple of key interceptions down his flank. 6
John Stones – It should worry City fans that Stones has taken a major step back since last season – did little to calm down a defence that has had little time together when he should be taking the lead as the most experienced man. 5
Aymeric Laporte – A night to forget for the January signing. Out of position for the first goal and weakly attempts to stop Lang before the Switzerland international fired in Basel’s second. 4
Oleksandr Zinchenko – Plenty of potential, but has recently showed evidence of a reckless streak. Too many times he was caught on his heels in the opposition half and stumbled over his own feet trying to chase back. 4
Ilkay Gundogan – Not at his metronomic best and, in a criticism that could be levelled to the whole City team, did not look motivated by the ‘challenge’. Man who set record for most touches in Premier League game against Chelsea only had 63 in a possession-heavy game before being hooked in the 65th minute. 5
Yaya Toure – Has received very few minutes this year and it showed in defence, as he was slow to chase down in the build-up to Lang’s winner. To his credit, he kept City ticking over in possession at a 97.3 per cent pass success rate. 6
Phil Foden – Though it is easy to see why Pep Guardiola is taking it slowly with the prodigiously talented 17-year-old, showed enough deft touches and forward drive to highlight why he is so highly rated. 6
Bernardo Silva – When City looked like they would canter to victory in the first quarter-hour, Bernardo was at the heart of every move with his superb left foot. Faded, but is a genuine force at the Etihad after a slow start. 7
Gabriel Jesus – Plenty of energy without the finesse as he works his way back from injury. Simplest of finishes but for the rest of the night was frustrated by a Basel side that grew in confidence. 6
Leroy Sane – Knocked off his stride by a horror challenge a couple of months ago but on this evidence, he’s right back up to speed. Made three key passes, four dribbles, though like every City player had a so-so second half at best. 7
SUBSTITUTES
Brahim Diaz – It’s not just Phil Foden who is the future at the Etihad.The 18-year-old immediately resuscitated a flagging City after coming on for Gundogan, with one particular special dribble during which he beat four players. 7
Tosin Adarabioyo – Guardiola gave the 20-year-old defender the shortest of run-outs as he replaced Foden in the 88th minute. N/A