Arsenal 0 – 1 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
30 Nov
Pantilimon - Produced a couple of outstanding stops in the first half but suffered a shaky period midway through the second. Opted to punch instead of catch on occasions and still looks less than commanding when dealing with crosses - 7
Onuoha - Tired towards the end but really impressive. Strong in the tackle and good positionally. Also tried to contribute further forward and there were glimpses of his pace and power - 7.5
Savic - Looked very comfortable when in possession and was positive in carrying the ball out from the back. Did well defensively, too, especially in the air - 7
K. Touré - Having been off the pace against Wolves in the last round, Kolo produced a captain’s performance. Raised his game against his former club, dominating in the air and making a couple of superb last-ditch challenges - 8
Zabaleta - Another one who performed very well. Oxlade-Chamberlain caused him a few problems, but Zabaleta stuck to his task and managed to remain defensively solid. Couldn’t contribute a great amount in attack, but did his primary job well - 7
De Jong - Protected our defence reasonably and grew into the game, but I felt his passing was a touch laboured. Could have done with him quickening the tempo, but will have been pleased to get 90 minutes under his belt - 6.5
Hargreaves - Great to see him again but understandably struggled to cope with the tempo. Started strongly and managed to impose himself in central midfield, but faded and was substituted. Needs much more game time - 6
Kolarov - Injured himself in the warm-up and never shook it off. Replaced after a lethargic, confused half an hour - 5
A. Johnson - Superb flick and assist for the goal but didn’t do a great deal more. Handed a rare chance but was on the fringes of the game and never truly threatened - 6.5
Nasri - On the receiving end of large amounts of vitriol from the Arsenal supporters and looked as if he was up for the battle. However, struggled to find any space and thus, his creative spark was nullified. The impression that he needs to do more in games remains - 6
Džeko - A very positive all-round display. Strong with his back to goal in winning headers and holding up play, and showed a delightful turn of pace on a few occasions, including for the goal. His pass to Johnson was exceptional and he will have sent a message to Mancini - 8
Subs
Aguero - Took his goal with the sort of clinical assurance we’ve come to expect from him. Rest of his play was not quite as special as he failed to get much reward out of the Arsenal defence - 6.5
Razak - Replaced Hargreaves with ten minutes to go and helped to keep Arsenal at bay - No time to mark
I continue to be disappointed by nasri- mainly in his obvious insolence at being asked to play wide and his subsequent lack of effort. I hope to be wrong but i have the impression he wont last long.
Kolo played really well, which was good to see.
De Jong has not been the same De Jong this year. As you mentioned, he is SOOO SLOOOOW with the ball now. Not sure why, but it shouldn’t take him that long to get the ball to someone who can do something with it. I’d start Barry and Milner over him at this point, never thought I’d say that.
Unfortunately i heartily agree with both of the above comments.
Fair commments, I think Aguero deserves more though – not much of a sniff until the goal but his sheer quality meant despite not having a previos effort he took it with ease.
Glad Kolarov went off though! Dzeko did okay, like the way he can control the ball with ease on his chest too.
De Jong not been the same, and i wouldnt mind if he left the club with his contract talks stalling. I like the look of Razak you see, who could be a decent long term replacement.