Manchester City continued their perfect start to the new Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park this afternoon.

Both sides struck the woodwork before the deadlock was finally broken by Aleksandar Kolarov on the hour mark as he squeezed the ball home from a tight angle.

Samir Nasri then wrapped up the points late on, exchanging passes with Yaya Toure on the edge of the box before lifting the ball over the keeper.

Here, Sports Mole looks at who stood out during an entertaining clash on Merseyside.

EVERTON

Goal

Tim Howard: Very much a mixed bag. Made a few really smart stops to keep his side in it, but shouldn't have allowed Kolarov to beat him at the near post and didn't exactly cover himself in glory for the second goal either. (5/10)

Defence

Seamus Coleman: Involved in a good battle with Sterling throughout. A danger when coming forward and solid enough at the back, although the opening goal did come down his side. (6/10)

John Stones: Another confident display from the young centre-back. Dealt with the significant threat of Aguero well and is becoming an increasingly key player for the club. They can't afford to lose him. (7/10)

Phil Jagielka: Came close with a superb header from the edge of the area and also made one great tackle to stop Aguero in his tracks on the edge of the box. (7/10)

Brendon Galloway: Struggled to shackle Navas during his time on the field. Subbed just before half time due to an injury. (5/10)

Midfield

James McCarthy: Never really got into the match, struggling to impose himself on a midfield battle that Everton lost. (6/10)

Gareth Barry: Had one header cleared off the line but defensively lost Silva on a few occasions. (6/10)

Arouna Kone: Handed another start having enjoyed a good season so far. Not quite as involved this time around, but should have done enough to keep his place. (6/10)

Ross Barkley: Perhaps Everton's best attacking player. Made a number of driving runs at the heart of the City defence and was a nuisance for City's midfield throughout. (7/10)

Tom Cleverley: Had a few creative moments, but ultimately failed to make a difference. Gave the ball away more than once too. (6/10)

Attack

Romelu Lukaku: Had a goal ruled out for offside and clipped the crossbar with a free kick. Was far short of his performance against Southampton, though. (6/10)

Substitutes

Tyias Browning: Replaced the injured Galloway shortly before the interval and did a decent job up against Navas. (6/10)

Steven Naismith: Came on for the final 25 minutes but didn't make an impact during his cameo. (6/10)

Gerard Deulofeu: Introduced with four minutes left as Everton went for an equaliser, but had no time to influence things. (6/10)

MAN CITY

Goal

Joe Hart: Had little to do but did look shaky when coming for one corner late on, completely missing his punch. (6/10)

Defence

Bacary Sagna: Solid stuff from the right-back. Never shy to get forward but never neglected his defensive duties either. (7/10)

Vincent Kompany: Cleared Barry's header off the line and stood up well to the physical test of Lukaku. (7/10)

Eliaquim Mangala: Another good performance from the centre-back, who could continue to keep Otamendi out of the side if he carries on this way. (7/10)

Aleksandar Kolarov: Opened the scoring with a low finish from a very tight angle. Deserved that for his tireless runs up and down the flank. (8/10)

Midfield

Fernandinho: Worked well with Toure in the middle of the park as City won the midfield battle. (7/10)

Yaya Toure: Was strangely quiet for much of the game but came to life with a beauty of a pass to Nasri for City's second. (7/10)

Jesus Navas: Caused Everton problems down the right in the first half especially, setting up Aguero on more than one occasion. Wasted one glorious chance after the restart. (6/10)

David Silva: Struck the post early in the second half and was a constant threat popping up in space. The man of the match. (8/10)

Raheem Sterling: Made a few bright breaks down the left, including one that led to the City opener. Had a chance to get his first goal for the club but couldn't stretch enough to turn it home. (7/10)

Attack

Sergio Aguero: Had a couple of early chances but was denied by Howard on both occasions. Looked sharp, but failed to get himself in the game enough from a City perspective. (7/10)

Substitutes

Samir Nasri: Introduced for final 15 minutes and weighed in with a very well-taken goal. (7/10)

Wilfried Bony: Replaced Aguero with 10 minutes to go but didn't have enough time to make a major impact. (6/10)

Fabian Delph: Made a brief appearance for his City debut. No time to do anything. (6/10)