Sunderland 1 – 0 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
2 Jan
Hart - Quickly out early on to thwart Bendtner but that was his only real action of the game. Dealt comfortably with any crosses - 7
Zabaleta - As per usual, solid enough defensively without offering a great deal in attack. Swapped flanks in the second half and got into some good positions on the left but end product was lacking – 6
Kompany - Was commanding in the air in dealing with the limited threat of Bendtner and looked comfortable in bringing the ball out from the back to support our midfield - 7
Lescott - Sessegnon’s pace and strength caused him the occasional problem but was otherwise untroubled - 6.5
Kolarov - Always willing to provide width down the left though he offered very little in terms of providing chances. His crossing was inaccurate and he urgently needs to improve his right foot. Struggled to beat a man which limits his attacking threat - 6
De Jong - Picked up an early booking but was otherwise non-existant in the first half and was replaced at the break. In games such at this where we have so much possession, De Jong is superfluous. He’s too one dimensional and if he is to secure a place in the side, he must improve in possession - 6
Barry - Arguably our best player. Always looked forward when in possession and was the one midfielder who wanted to play with a quick tempo. Advanced into the box a couple of times and was the furthest man back when Sunderland scored - 7
Y. Touré - Started in his role from last season and managed to go on a few surges. However, after half time he dropped deeper and his lack of tempo was key to us not breaking Sunderland down. Far too ponderous in possession and he needed to realise we had to move the ball quicker - 6
A. Johnson - Was outstanding in the first half with his pacy crosses, incisive passing and wing play but then completely faded. Question marks have been asked in the past concerning his fitness levels and he looked shattered by the 50th minute - 6.5
Nasri - Another disappointing display from Nasri who yet again failed to stamp his authority on the game. With Silva on the bench, this was his chance to take centre stage but he struggled to impose himself and was taken off early - 6
Džeko - Isolated for large periods in the first half but wasn’t helped by his lack of workrate and inability to hold up the ball. Wasted a couple of great opportunities and continues to look short of confidence - 5
Subs
Aguero - Added an energy and spark to the team though instead of dropping deep to link play, I’d prefer him to stay up front and be on the receving end of any chance - 6.5
Silva - Brought on to provide the breakthrough but despite looking bright, failed to conjure up anything magical. Produced two decent shots which were both saved and generally found the middle too congested for his liking - 6.5
Richards - Couldn’t really get into the game as we didn’t service him down the right. Missed a superb opportunity when he headed onto the bar - 6
WHY DOESNT SILVA SMASH THE BALL HARD? He basically passed one of our best chances straight to their keeper at the end? Its the same for Aguero too, he was a few yards out and instead of trying to hit the ball hard he simply passed it into the hands of the grateful keeper? ARGH!
I’m sure when they see the replays they will ask themselves the same questions. And put it right on Tuesday!
6.5 was a bit generous for Jonners. I think it less that he ran out of puff, more that he ran out of ideas and once the FB worked him out he was dead meat, trying the same move and failing regularly. I’d caution patience for DJ, he hasn’t become a bad player over night, he is coming back from a difficult injury and was hampered by a harsh yellow card. He is one of the very best at his job which is patrolling the back four, cutting out breaks, winning balls and passing short to allow more gifted ball players to do their stuff. When he is back to full fitness and confidence he will be an important player again.
i think questions have to be asked of Kompany on the goal as he tracked ji but then left him alone when he followed the ball leaving ji free in the middle . Also we need to start games at a much higher tempo as we are not going to score in the 70+ minute every game . The urgency after the 80th minute was frightening compared to the previous languid pace .
Dzecko is starting to look like a complete dud, we have seen him do well and he needs to seize opportunites like this when he is in our starting 11.
As awful as Dzeko was, I don’t feel like we really created any decent chances for him, build up play was far too slow, allowing Sunderland to get everybody back behind the ball.
Hope that teaches Mancini a lesson you want to win this league you dont worry about future games play the strongest team possible win the game then take them off that is what they are paid for. End of rant
Every time Adam Johnson starts a game, his impact does not span more than 20 to 25 minutes and then he fades away. I do not think he can grow any more. We truly need a quality winger.
Mancini made the same mistake mush like last year when we lost 3 -0 to Liverpool. He needs to play the strongest team with no regard to future games.
Dezko and Aguero are two different players and depending on which one is played the team needs to play to their strengths. I am yet to see a proper cross in the opponent box, Kolarov is way off and Zab is a solid defender with no attacking option.
All together, the last two games have been very disappointing
We need Richards and Balotelli in the lineup bad. Get Dzeko out wow he’s doing nothing
Who played against WBA? Balotelli or Dzecko? It was goalless game too? Can’t blame only them,for(TEAM)lousy games!
Some very generous scores….Yaya might have thebest passing stats but when he needs an incisive ball he usually fails. Dezko had a poor game, trying too hard, but when ytou have a centre forward is over 6ft and has scored most of his goals with his head failure to put in one decent cross is appalling. Play Johnson on the lefty and tell him to get to the byline. DJ was not needed in the game and unless we get Yaya to pass quicker we will struggle to break these teams down. Only an early goal seems ot work…we do need a plan B.
You are absolutely right! If needed plan C,D,etc. Change tactics if something doesn’t work well. WBA,Sunderland…strong defence,zero score = something is wrong! AJ left footed,right winger? Only one forward?
Can’t blame players for that. At the start team play should be build by coach.
It is amazing that with all the money spent, There is no one on the wings that can send put a decent cross in the box more often than not. Kolarov shows the attacking willingness but the end product is missing. Clichy at least is solid defensively but no proper crosses. Adam Johnson is only visible for a few minutes and then he is gone much like snow flakes that are one moment white and the gone forever. Milner is more like a Central MD. Nasir is off and on ….