'Beating heart' is back to his best

CITY were 13th in the Premier League table during the September international break, fifth in October and now sit second as the domestic action takes a breather in November.

- By TYRONE MARSHALL

Their rise in to the position as title contenders has been a story of steady improvement over 17 games in all competitions. Three of those have ended in defeat but only one has come in the previous 14 games.

They recovered from that loss at Aston Villa to record four successive wins in all competitions and a 3-0 win against Liverpool last weekend was the statement result and performance that proved Pep Guardiola's side were well and truly back.

With the action coming thick and fast when the Premier League resumes, this is how the players have rated so far this season:

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA

First hint of a mistake came against Bournemouth when his failure to deal with a corner led to a goal, but he felt he was fouled as the ball came into the box. Wasn't the most convincing moment, but other than that has been outstanding and his presence and command of his area is proving vital. 8

JAMES TRAFFORD

Good performance at Swansea is all he can do. Hasn't been involved in a Premier League game since August 31 and difficult to see when that changes. Doing his job when called upon. 7

RICO LEWIS

Has clearly lost the right-back battle to Nunes for the biggest games. Has managed to get the odd start in midfield and was excellent against Villarreal, but it didn't lead to any further action there. 6

MATHEUS NUNES

When Lewis started the first two Premier League games it didn't bode well for Nunes, but his response has been outsanding. A threat in the final third but his defensive work has come on leaps and bounds. 8

ABDUKODIR KHUSANOV

Looked like being Nunes' biggest challenger at right-back after a run of starts in September, but injury checked his momentum and he was poor against Swansea. 6

JOHN STONES