MAN CITY 3 – 0 Liverpool – PLAYER RATINGS and MotM POLL

As is due custom following any City match, every fan is eager to know how any other supporter has rated their players. So, further to my in-depth review that focused on the various components which secured the victory, here is my view on how each player performed.

Hart - The youngster kept his fine start to the season going here, as he recorded his third successive clean sheet. He pulled off a remarkable double save to deny David ‘Wash’ N’Gog and Fernando Torres in the period when Liverpool threatened. Otherwise, he didn’t have a great deal to do, but he is sure to be disappointed by his distribution, with his haste to start an attack occasional putting us into trouble - 8.5

Richards - Surprise choice ahead of Zabaleta, but did a good job of keeping the underwhelming Jovanovic quiet. Attacked with frequency down the right and produced a great leap for the second goal, but could do with tightening up on the defensive aspect of his game - 7

K. Touré - After last season’s wobbly form, it’s great to see Kolo return to his erstwhile best. He looks like the top class defender that was a major part of Arsenal’s Invincible side, and he showed good pace and power to nullify the threat of Torres - 9

Kompany - The Belgain has continued his sterling form from the back end of last season, displaying his undoubted aerial ability, pace and strength. He looks to be forming a solid defensive partnership with Kolo and together, they are yet to concede a goal during this campaign - 9.5

Lescott - As previously stated on this blog, I’m a huge fan of Joleon and he didn’t disappoint me. Although left-back is clearly not his desired position, and thus he looks cumbersome at times with the ball at his feet, he is in the team to act as an extra defensive shield down the left. To this extent, he was magnificent, putting in a couple of decisive last-ditch blocks and competing admirably against Kuyt - 9

de Jong - The no-nonsense, tough tackling midfielder is made for fixtures like these and he went about his ruthless business in the manner we have come to love. He rarely gave the Liverpool midfielders time on the ball and he always managed to make crucial interventions whenver the visitors did threaten - 8.5

Y. Touré - At times, he reminds me of Paulo Wanchope in the way in which he lopes around the pitch, but he is truly a class player, always seeming to keep possession of the ball. He displayed a great turn of pace and footballing knowhow and looks another great acquisition - 8.5

Barry - Possibly the best performance we have seen from Gareth in a blue shirt. He covered every blade of grass, putting in tackles and setting up attacks with speed. To cap it all off, he provided a calm finish to score the first goal - 9.5

A. Johnson - It was great to see Johnson playing from the start, and he showed enthusiasm and a great amount of talent to get the better of Daniel Agger all night. His end produce could at times be improved, but there is a real sense of anticipation among the supporters whenver he gets the ball - 9

Milner - WOW! After all the waiting and then the hype, Milner delivered an outstanding performance. He supplied the first two goals, but apart from that, he was stunning. His workrate was there for all to see, and his defensive play, notably making some crucial tackles, was typical of such an assured start. Long may it continue! - 10

Tévez - After a shaky couple of game, Carlos bounced back into life. He held the ball up remarkably well, as we resisted the temptation to boot it long and instead, played it into his feet. He scored two and looked bright throughout - 8

Subs:

Zabaleta - No Time to Mark

Jo – No Time to Mark