WBA 0 – 2 MAN CITY – Player Ratings

Hart - Returned to the side after Shay Given stepped in for the Europa League, and will be delighted to have kept a clean sheet. Wasn’t called into action frequently, and saw his post rattled twice, but handling and distribution were good - 7

Boateng – Finally showing glimpses of the form which secured him a place in the Germany side. Handled the threat of the tricky Thomas well, and managed to get forward well. Could have scored when Silva put him through, but more of this form, and City have a real player on their hands- 8.5

K. Touré - For the Wolves defeat, it was clear he hadn’t fully recovered from injury, but he was back to his imperial best at the Hawthorns. Saw a lot of the ball in the first half and had to be patient, but his passing was controlled and stood up to the task when Balotelli was sent off - 8

Kompany - Dealt relatively comfortably with the physical threat of Marc Antoine Fortuné, who has caused City problems in the past. Formed a solid partnership with Touré and the duo must keep that form going in midweek- 8

Zabaleta – The ultimate team player. Shifted out to left-back and was an absolute rock. Defended with bite, winning his tackles and making sure that there was not a great threat from his side. Got forward well too, despite not really possessing a left foot - 8.5

De Jong – Nige received a booking within the first five minutes and I felt that he could be a real risk to get sent off, but he was disciplined and effective throughout the afternoon. Won the majority of his tackle and supplied Yaya and Silva with the ball as often as he could - 8

Y. Touré - Far better going forward than he is defensively. Not set the world alight so far at City, but this was his best showing so far. Went on a couple of majestic marauding bursts forward, and it takes a lot to stop him when he gets going! Could do more defensively, but that’s perhaps being a bit pedantic- 8.5

Barry - His most convincing performance for a while. Covered a lot of ground and his passing was top-notch. Got stuck in defensively and could have scored in the second half. Needs to keep that level of football going - 8

Silva - An absolute pleasure to watch. Created both of our goals with sublime passes, and set Boateng through with another one. We look far more in control whenever he is in possession, as he dictates the tempo and style of football we play - 9

Balotelli - A typical Balotelli performance really! Apart from his two goals, I was pleased with the way he worked hard for the team, tracking back to help out the defence. Needs to cut out the showboating and constant haranguing of the referee, but we have a world class player at our disposal, if only we can harness his volatile temperament - 8

Tévez - Having the captain back in the side made such a difference, despite him not scoring. His presence allows the likes of Silva and Balotelli more time on the ball. Despite not being anywhere near fully-fit, Tévez worked his socks off, but must recharge his batteries in time for Wednesday - 8

Subs

A. Johnson – Came on when WBA were searching to get back into the game, but Johno wasn’t able to impose himself as he would have liked. Made a couple of decent runs, which failed to get picked out by our midfield - 6

Kolarov – I’m sure Mancini would have liked to have introduced him earlier in an ideal world, but after the dismissal of Balotelli, we needed to steady the ship for a while. Faces a battle to start in the derby, but he will become our first-choice left back in the long term - No time to mark