MAN CITY 5 – 1 Norwich – PLAYER RATINGS
4 Dec
Hart - Will be hugely disappointed to have conceded another late goal as his search for a clean sheet continues. Barely tested although he did do well in the first half when Morison broke through - 6.5
Richards - His surging runs down the right were again a useful attacking outlet and it was from his cross that Aguero eventually opened the scoring. Managed to keep Pilkington quiet as well, and will have enjoyed spending large parts of the game camped in Norwich’s half - 7
K. Touré – A couple of worrying moments early on when he looked rusty but after that, he settled down and was solid enough. Norwich didn’t exactly pose a great threat but he was composed in possession and strong in the air - 6.5
Kompany - Virtually the same as Kolo but without the shaky moments in the first half. One of his easier afternoons and even managed to contribute an assist for the fifth goal with a sublime, pin-point pass. Will undoubtedly face a stiffer challenge on Wednesday - 7
Clichy – Beaten, understandably, by the much taller Morison for Norwich’s goal but was otherwise fine. Added valuable width and pace down the left, whilst also doing the defensive side of his job well - 7
Barry - Another impressive performance from Barry as he continues to defy his critics. Very calm in possession, never shirked a challenge and always eager to provide an extra body in attack. Awarded man of the match and understandably so - 8
Y. Touré - One of his best displays this season. His passing, often so laboured and negative, was far more incisive than usual and he looked menacing with his breaks from midfield. Took his goal superbly and was always looking to advance. Will have to raise his game even further against Bayern Munich - 8
Nasri - Arguably his best showing in a City shirt since his debut against Spurs. It’s very rare anyone overshadows Silva on the creativity front, but Nasri did just that. Instrumental in our play, he was always looking to be in possession and had a hand in our goals. May start on the bench in midweek after starting the past three matches, but it’s good to see him back in form - 8
Silva - Looked bright, as always, but was outshone by Nasri, which highlights just how much quality we have. Still extremely involved and plenty of pleasing touches. Will have to be at his best on Wednesday - 7
Aguero - Missed a couple of relatively straightforward chances in the first half but took his goal superbly. I’m not quite sure whether it was a flukey toe-poke or sheer brilliance, but it was the breakthrough we needed - 7
Džeko - Continued where he left off from Arsenal in the Carling Cup, showing lovely footwork and ability to work well with others around him. Couple of attempts went close - 7
Subs
A. Johnson - Made Balotelli’s goal and scored a very good fifth in a bright cameo appearance - 7
Balotelli - A wise decision to get rid of the blond pattern and revert to a more normal hairstyle! Managed to grab the headlines in a good way this time, scoring with his shoulder. Could be a key figure against Bayern - 7
De Jong - Brought on late to shore things up and did just that. Won a few tackles and kept possession well - 7
Fair x
Mancini’s decision to deploy Dezko in place of Milner freed up more space in the mid-field which benefited Nasri greatly.
Whenver, Barry and Yaya have enough rest to recover, they perform superbly. May be it is me, but next game against Chelsea is far more important to me than the Bayern game. I would much really like Barry and Yaya rested for that game.
Dezko’s play and foot work is amazing. He takes great use of his body to hold up the ball. I could not be any happier and your ratings are spot on.
Well done Mario, keep it coming!! Would have liked to have seen Silva rested for the Bayern tie.
As the only footage I have seen of the game is that shown on MOTD, I cannot comment on the whole state of the ratings. The only thing is the comment for Hart. I’m not sure it was so much him conceding (as in that it was perceived to be his fault) than Morrison scoring.
Apart from that, from the footage I saw, they do seem fair.
Spot on.
Agueo goal = Brilliance, other than that very fair