Porto 1 – 2 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
17 Feb
Hart - Didn’t have a great deal to do as Kompany and Lescott stood strong in defence. Could not have done anything for the goal and his handling was assured all game - 6.5
Richards - Was a powerful attacking outlet down the right on his rare forays, hitting the post once and forcing the ‘keeper into making a great save, but his defence performance was worrying. Constantly out of position, allowed Porto’s movement down the left to unsettle him and although he didn’t receive a great deal of help from either Nasri or Silva, he should have done better. Defensively, still plenty of weaknesses - 6
Kompany - Was a leader throughout, constantly organising the defence and his positioning when crosses came into the box was exemplary. Wasted possession too often by aimlessly hoofing it up the pitch but was a solid presence at the back - 7.5
Lescott - Continued his superb recent form with another hugely impressive display. For the most part, nullified the threat of Hulk with his reading of the game and strength. Positioning was good, showed a good turn of pace on occasions and has settled back into a great partnership with Kompany – 8
Clichy - I felt this was another promising performance from Clichy. Defensively, he was sound enough, rarely allowing crosses to come in from our left. Could arguably have done more for Porto’s goal, but his passing was generally fine and in the second half especially, he managed to provide another attacking outlet - 7.5
De Jong - After a strong showing against Aston Villa, he produced another impressive display yesterday. His tackling was full-blooded and spot on, enabling him to break up a number of Porto attacks and set us on our way. Passing was neat and tidy without ever being incisiveness, but he’s there to provide cover for the defence and he did his job superbly – 7.5
Barry - Struggled in the opening 45 minutes to adapt to the pace of the game and he seemed a yard off. However, he recovered wonderfully after the break, stamping his authority in the middle. Retained possession well, provided a shield in front of our back four and along with De Jong, denied Porto any space in which to work - 7
Nasri - Started on the left and was moved quickly to the right in order to help out Richards, but struggled to really influence the game. Became more involved in the second half although there is still the feeling he takes too many touches on the ball and slows down our attacks - 6
Y. Touré - A huge presence to return to the team and for the first ten minutes, he was superb. Failed to have much of an impact for the rest of the half but after the break, he was the most influential player on the pitch. Full of purpose with his surges, he frightened the life out of Porto’s backline. Showed great vision to provide the assist for the first goal and then was selfless in laying on an easy finish for Aguero - 8.5
Silva - Wasn’t at his best in terms of touch or ability to control the tempo of the game but still lively enough. Movement was good, always trying to stretch the opposition. End product wasn’t there but he worked hard and will be a key figure in the second leg - 6.5
Balotelli - Returned to the team after a four-match suspension and looked as if he meant business. Full of running on his own upfront, he seemed determined and with a point to prove. Saw one effort saved in the first half and then made a superb run to create the equaliser. Showed great self-control not to react to any situation and it is pleasing to see that despite six of player receiving a yellow card, Mario wasn’t one of them! - 7
Subs
Aguero - Scored the crucial winner after great play by Yaya. Put himself about in his brief cameo – 7
Kolarov - One poor tackle and one crunching one - No time to mark
Zabaleta - A very late replacement to protect our lead - No time to mark
All I can say is that it is good to have Yaya back! Mancini should play him in advanced role. His surges and even the thought of a surge by him would put any defender on his toe.
There is no player in the world with the same physique as Yaya that has his characteristics, esp those surges!
should have a rating for manager aswell I think?.
Very disappointing to see Nasri get 6 – his passing was decisive, and if you look, he sent Balotelli through with a delightful chip through ball which Mario wasted and he also played in Yaya who then set up Aguero…he does a lot which goes un-noticed and i really think he was at least 7.5
Agree with Richards though, most will think he was brilliant because he hit the post and tested Helton with another good effort, but his positional sense was diabolical
Think you were hard on Nasri too. Granted he has not hit the heights that he did with Arsenal but this was another promising showing from the French winger.
Clichy 7.5? … Quote by David Platt “We troubles on our left (side) “.. He didn’t complete a cross or play a dangerous ball forward
7.5 is a rating for a defender. And as a defender he was pretty solid in doing his job. He is one of the best LB in the world and I believe the best that has played in City shirt.