MAN CITY 3 – 0 Stoke – PLAYER RATINGS

Hart - Flapped at one corner but that was the only meaningful piece of action he was involved in. Stoke didn’t threaten in attacking sense and the expected aerial bombardment never materialised - 6

Richards - Cameron Jerome was deployed on the left to track Micah’s runs and did a very good job of limiting the attacking threat down City’s right. Richards tried to get forward as much as possibly, but with someone there to stop him, he didn’t have much of an impact. Untroubled defensively - 6.5

Kompany - After excelling against Arsenal, our captain put in another strong performance. Coped easily with the presence on Kenwyne Jones, and looked at ease bringing the ball out of defence - 8

Lescott - A simple game for Lescott, who was totally untroubled at the back. Was often the one man City left back as Stoke put all eleven men behind the ball. Dominant in the air - 7

Clichy - Back from suspension and looked like the rest might have done him good. Full of energy down the left, providing another wide option in attack and helped to stretch the Stoke backline. With Pennant on the bench for the visitors, didn’t spend too much time in City’s defensive half - 7.5

Barry - Continued his superb form with another impressive display. Was a more forceful attacking presence than usual and provided the pass to Nasri that helped to set up the third goal. - 7.5

Y. Touré - Saw plenty of the ball in midfield and used it neatly enough without ever threatening to break through Stoke’s defence. His physical challenge on the edge of the box created Johnson’s goal and we saw a few more surges than normal - 7.5

A. Johnson - His outstanding strike was just reward for the time he puts in after training to work on his shooting, but did very little else in an attacking sense. Tracked back more than usual, so hopefully the message is getting through to him, but still needs to offer a greater deal - 7

Nasri - Looked the most likely to create a chance in the opening half hour as he was constantly searching for the ball. Showed more signs of settling into City and that can only be a huge positive - 7.5

Silva - Not at his sharpest but didn’t need to be. Still threatening enough but without ever hitting anywhere near top gear. His presence scares sides though and it allows the likes of Nasri and Aguero more space around the box - 7

Aguero - Added another brace to his tally for the season and produced an energetic 90 minutes. Looks fitter and sharper than in recent matches, took his chances well and showed a natural poacher’s instinct. My man of the match - 8

Subs

Savic – Replaced the injured Richards but didn’t have anything to do. More valuable experience though - 6

Balotelli – A disappointingly low key appearance. No goals, no bookings and no controversy. He’s getting boring - 6

Milner - Won a couple of challenges in midfield though the tempo had gone from our play by the time he came on - 6

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