MAN CITY 1 – 0 Arsenal – PLAYER RATINGS
19 Dec
Hart - Called into action a fair few times and rose to the challenge. Stop late on to deny Vermaelen was outstanding and his distribution, in aiming for Richards from goalkicks, was intelligent - 8
Richards - Only managed to get forward a couple of times which, for his standards, counts as restrained. Remarkably powerful in the air, although was troubled on the odd occasion by the pace of Gervinho - 7
K. Touré - Selected ahead of Lescott due to his superior pace and ability to read the game, and didn’t let Mancini down. Was able to help shackle Van Persie and will be delighted to keep a clean sheet. May miss out against Stoke with Mancini likely to prefer Lescott’s aerial ability - 8
Kompany - He’s not been at his best so far this season but he produced a captain’s performance yesterday. Nullified Van Persie by getting tight to him and following his runs. Was powerful in the air, cultured in possession and now must retain this level of display - 8.5
Zabaleta - An absolute warrior and my joint man of the match. Faced with Walcott’s electric pace, Zabaleta produced the perfect defensive performance, staying tight to his man and not allowed the winger to run in behind. Made numerous tackles, blocks and interceptions, and was so close to scoring a deserved goal - 9
Barry – My other joint man of the match. Was exceptional in the first half with his tackling and passing, and if anything, improved after the break. His tactical awareness, of filling in for either fullback when they advance, is essential and it is his ability to provide a balance that makes us such a threat going forward - 9
Y. Touré - Passing was neat and tidy without ever threatening to open up the Arsenal defence. Struggled to provide cover for the defence but he was a physical obstacle in the middle and Mancini will be hoping he is fit enough to play against Stoke - 7
Nasri - Very clear he was trying his hardest to impress against the fans who were so intent of booing him, but although there was plenty of passion and desire, the end product was lacking. Throughballs were a touch overhit, but at least he continues to look more settled - 7
Silva – Another one, like Nasri, who worked incredibly hard but whose final touch was missing. Gave the ball away more than normal, although did secure us the three points, so I can’t be too critical! - 7
Balotelli - Produced some moments of sheer brilliance, most notably in bringing the ball down inside the six-yard box before seeing his shot saved. Created the goal with his pace, movement and powerful shot, and tracked back frequently to help out Richards down City’s right - 7.5
Aguero - Worked tirelessly, constantly stretching the Arsenal defence with his movement and willingness to run the channels. Wasn’t his day in front of goal as he missed a number of decent chances, though we have seen just how clinical he can be so I wouldn’t have thought this will affect him too much - 7
Subs
Milner - One superb pass out to the left for Silva and a pair of intelligent interceptions. Added fresh legs and gave us greater solidity in midfield - 7
Džeko - Won a header and went on a couple of dribbles but didn’t have long to make an impact - No time to mark
De Jong - Came on for the final few minutes to protect the lead. Can only remember him touching the ball once - No time to mark
Very fair and accurate ratings, would be interested to hear what you would have given for the Arsenal players
really agree with the ratings of zab and barry especially, newspapers especially the national ones seem to be watchin a different game eg telegraph zab – 6 barry – 6. Like you say perfect description of zab yesterday was warrior, loved it when he celebrated a throw in he won in the 90th minute with a clenched fist, really summed up his passion commitment and desire to win
I just hope Man city go on to win the epl and complete the treble of epl,FA and europa trophies. This will go a long way of proving to a certain red faced he can’t every trophy.
with the money spent on the team how can you not win the prem,any team with the money man city have could win the prem,
Is that so and yet muppets like you were claiming before including old red nose that you can buy players but cant buy a team. Well what do you know City have a great team.
I could win the league with a blank chequebook
U sound like a bitter arsenal fan. Get a grip youth
most ppl cud sy4, but you personally couldnt, your too stupid mate sorry
On your playstation?
All u city slaggers grow up and stop talkin about are money its old news
Zabaleta was my man of the match. Among all the players, he is the one that impresses me the most and gives his 100% to the team and not to mention his being down to earth. The way he plays,I think we do not need Kolarov anymore,Clichy and Zab would do it as LB!
Can’t agree more on the ratings. Zabaletta never lets the team down. Its a pleasure for me to see him on the pitch in any position cos i know with his dedication he will do well. Lets hope we keep on seeing him on the field more often cos he a true BRAVEHEART!!!