Manchester City picked up a vital 2-1 victory over Arsenal last weekend to secure back-to-back home Premier League wins for the first time since September.

Pep Guardiola’s side got the better of Watford four days prior to their meeting with Arsene Wenger’s side, but they made a sluggish start and fell behind to Theo Walcott’s strike after just five minutes.

However, the hosts responded brilliantly, and goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling secured a massive three points for Guardiola’s men, who had gone second in the division prior to Liverpool’s win over Everton on Monday night.

Nonetheless, that win means that they remain seven points behind league leaders Chelsea, but they have now leapfrogged Wenger’s Arsenal, who themselves are just a point clear of North London rivals Tottenham in fifth.

City have 11 of their opening 17 league games this season, and will go into their Boxing Day encounter against bottom side Hull confident of recording a third successive win in the league.

In what has been a decent enough first half of the season for City, we thought we’d take a look back on their campaign thus far, and evaluate which players in that City squad have performed, and those who haven’t been good enough.

Thus, here are the City players on the naughty and nice list this Christmas…

NICE – Fernandinho

He may have not covered himself in glory with his retaliation against Chelsea the other week, but Fernandinho has once again been a key part of the City midfield this season.

The Brazilian international was an ever-present up until his suspension against Leicester a few weeks back, and continued to possess the same composure and authority in the middle that we have seen throughout his City career.

The 31-year-old moved to the Etihad in 2013, and remains just as integral now as he did when he first arrived in England.

NAUGHTY – Claudio Bravo

Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was on a bit of a hiding to nothing when he signed for City in the summer, such was the furore surrounding Joe Hart’s departure.

However, he hasn’t exactly helped himself with his performances in between the sticks for Guardiola’s side.

The Chilean international looked shaky on his debut against Manchester United back in September and, for someone brought in because he was excellent with his feet, he’s hardly been convincing when in that situation.

The sending off at Barcelona somewhat epitomised his start to his City career and, although he looks to be improving, there are still question marks over Bravo’s shot-stopping abilities.

NICE – Raheem Sterling

A new-found confidence under Guardiola saw Raheem Sterling make a wonderful start to the season at the Etihad.

The England international struggled in his first season in Manchester, but netted five goals and laid on five assists in his first nine games of the campaign.

Although he then went on a barren spell in front of goal, Sterling has shown his best form in recent games, claiming an assist against Watford and then netting the winner in an all round excellent display against Arsenal last weekend.

The 22-year-old deserves a lot of credit for the way he has started this season under Guardiola, and looks set to be a key member of both the City and England squad for years to come.

NAUGHTY – John Stones

Perhaps a bit harsh, but John Stones hasn’t had a great time of it since moving to City for £47.5 million in the summer.

The former Everton defender was brought in as exactly the type of defender Guardiola wants in his side and, while there have been signs that Stones could flourish under the Spaniard, he has also made several high-profile errors.

Since August last year, Stones has made more errors leading to goals than any other player in the top-flight, and several of those have come in a City shirt, with the games against Southampton and Leicester the ones that stick in the memory.

He clearly has potential, but must improve his decision-making and overall defensive capabilities to become the world-class defender many think he can be.

NICE – Kevin De Bruyne

No-one has laid on more assists in the Premier League this season than City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian international’s tally of nine is three better than the next best Adam Lallana, Nemanja Matic, Alexis Sanchez, and Wilfried Zaha, and he has been an integral part in the City side in recent weeks.

In his last nine Premier League appearances, De Bruyne has laid on five assists, and was arguably the man-of-the-match in their 2-1 victory over Arsenal last weekend.

His form and fitness will be crucial in determining what City achieve this season.