West Ham 1 – 3 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
13 Dec
Hart - Saved well from a low Junior Stanislas shot but with West Ham failing to muster any sort of attacking threat, Hart was rarely called into action - 6
Boateng – One of his better games in a City shirt. Got forward well and with frequency, managing to produce a couple of long-range shots, although he could do with working on his crossing. Reads the game well in defence but must get closer to his man at times to stop the cross coming in - 7
K. Touré – Had another solid match in central defence. Rarely troubled and managed to bring the ball forward occasionally. Good pace and strength. Unlucky for West Ham’s goal - 7
Kompany - Very similar to Kolo Touré, not needed to produce a heroic performance as the home side offered very little in an attacking sense. Strong in the air, although he is someone who should be chipping in with a few goals a season from set pieces - 7
Zabaleta - His versatility meant that he was shifted out to the left of defence but produced a solid enough performance. Got forward very well, putting over some inviting crosses, but picked up a booking for a couple of rash tackles - 7
De Jong – Again, like so many of his teammates, he never needed to move out of first gear. Set up City’s second goal after a good tackle on Scott Parker and then delivered a decent through-ball for Yaya - 7
Y. Touré - Really starting to produce the goods in an attacking position. looks strong and powerful with the ball, using his pace to shrug off defenders’ attention. Scored one and made the second - 8.5
Barry - Despite not getting the attention that others receive, Gareth does a huge amount of work in midfield. Keeps the play ticking over and is a valuable component in this formation - 7.5
Silva – I’ve said it before and not doubt will say it again, but he is a pleasure to watch. So comfortable in possession and can produce passes which other players wouldn’t even see - 8
Balotelli - Not one of his most productive afternoons! Should have scored in the first minute or two, but went downhill from there. Argued with the referee too often, resulting in a booking and must learn to control his temper - 5
Jo - Reprised the same role as he played against Fulham, providing support to Balotelli from the left hand side. Worked hard for the team and does a job but lacks the quality of others - 6
Subs
A. Johnson – Replaced an unhappy Balotelli in the second half and confirmed what we already knew – he’s a great impact sub. Took his goal very well, rounding Green before sliding in – 7
Milner – Came on late in the day for Silva - No time to mark
Disagree with one point – SIlva was not half as good as you say Steven. Well off the pace, slow and delayed passes too long and was eventually dispossessed. Still played well, but not worth an 8. I would give him 6.5 at best. Other than that I agree with your other points, especially with the one made about it perhaps being Boatengs best game in a City shirt.
Well done