MAN CITY 3 – 0 Wigan – PLAYER RATINGS
11 Sep
Hart - Didn’t have a save to make, although he was protected by his defence who put in a number of solid blocks. Distribution mixed: one crossfield pass to Clichy was stunning, but also kicked straight out of play - 6
Richards - A number of strong and forceful runs down the right and got into good positions. Defended solidly against Rodallega who can be a tough opponent - 8
Kompany - Wasn’t overly tested by Wigan’s forwards although Di Santo did sneak in behind once or twice. Won a couple of challenges with stunning tackles and even managed to bring the ball forward - 8
Lescott - With Kolo Touré back from his ban and watching from the bench, J-Lo’s place is arguably up for grabs but I thought he had one of best recent performances. Covered well at the back and showed his attacking prowess twice during the first half! Should have scored - 8
Clichy – Continued his good form with another hugely energetic display. Gets into some fantastic positions down the left and unlike Kolarov, has an end product. Beaten once or twice by Moses but generally fine - 8
Milner - Very workmanlike. A competent link between defence and attack and managed to cover a lot of ground. Clearly relishes his central role - 6.5
Y. Touré - Managed to coast through the game without having a major impact, although to be fair to him, didn’t need to be at his best as we were far superior in midfield to Wigan. Looked exhausted as per usual - 6
A. Johnson - He’s becoming tiresome now. Given a chance to start but yet again failed to impress. Does a couple of decent tricks to take on a man, but for overall impact throughout the game, he’s nowhere near good enough. Thinks the world of himself, but it should tell him everything that he’s only trusted to start at home to the likes of Swansea and Wigan - 5
Silva - I’ve already said it this season, but he’s an absolute joy to watch. Took centre stage for creativity as Nasri started on the bench and the Spaniard was our star man. Some of the interchange of passing between him and Aguero was just delightful. Will be key against Napoli - 9
Tévez - Unsurprisingly, looked off the pace on his first start of the season. A different type of player to Silva, Aguero and Nasri and he’s not capable of the one-touch style of football that trio play. As a result, he slows down our attacks. Very greedy, poor penalty and tired early. Can only improve - 6
Aguero - Six goals in three games is testament to how well he has adapted to life in England. A natural goalscorer and never looked like missing his chances. Travelled to Bangladesh and India with his national team during the week but looked fresh. Just imagine how good he’ll be when he’s fully settled! - 9
Subs
Nasri - Made an instant impact with his delightful assist for the second goal. On the same wavelength as Silva and Aguero, which says everything about his ability - 7
Balotelli - Very surprised he didn’t start, especially considering he’s banned for the Napoli game on account of his sending off v Dynamo Kyiv last season. Was brought on with the game already wrapped up and didn’t have time to make a huge impact. Good hairstyle! - 6
Razak - Astute of Mancini to give him a run out. He’s a big lad for only eighteen. Will improve with time - No time to mark
i agree with most of your comments but i thought tevez was worth a 7 he shooting was not his best but i thought his general play was quite good
Agree that Tevez should get a little more credit. He had several selfless passes… One resulting in the first goal, one to Micah’s unlucky crossbar shot, and another in the air to Milner who was just shy of connecting.
Lescott – “Should have scored”
>>> NO!!!!! SHOULD HAVE DUCKED!!!!!!!
With a little bit more composure Johnson could have had a hat-trick, he was trying to be too clever and will find it to his cost now that his appearances will be even more limited than ever before… shame !
I thought you were a tad unfair on Johnson and Tevez.
I’m not his biggest fan, but Johnson looked dangerous around the box and troubled Wigan’s defence quite a bit. I do have to concede that I’m beginning to get increasingly frustrated with him now, though. He’s just not developing at the rate he should be.
Some of Tevez’s link up play with Silva, Aguero and others was superb. His finishing was a little off, but that comes with fitness and sharpness. His pass for Micah’s crossbar chance was like the Tevez of last season all over again. And Tevez’s little back flick to Aguero in the first half was also brilliant.
It does say a lot, though, that Nasri killed the game off when he replaced Tevez.
Dad agrees with comments of Johnno which is a shame. Clichy looked outstanding, he’s a joy to watch at times, love the way he talks at the back, ordering people where to go and what to do, looks like a real leader which can only be of benefit at the back.
Nasri completely changed the game when he came on, another one who’s brilliantly settled at a new club.
As for Sergio, an energetic affair and some splendid goals. Love the grace with which he caresses the ball into the net. Absolutely delightful performance from the new man, justifying the £12 it cost me to have his name on my shirt!
Come on City, forget United, let’s just concentrate on winning our games!
Finally, my boy Gael has brought some stability to our left side after all our failed tries of Garrido, Bridge and Kolarov. Mind you, I still do hope Kolarov comes good in time.