MAN CITY 3 – 0 Blackburn – PLAYER RATINGS
26 Feb
Hart - Hardly tested, such was our complete dominance and Blackburn’s lack of ambition. Made his first save in the 92nd minute - 6.5
Zabaleta - Offered a superb attacking outlet all game with his regular forays down the right. Defensively, was solid enough against the limited visiting threat, but enjoyed an impressive afternoon - 7.5
Kompany - Had to deal with Yakubu and did so very effectively. Dominant in the air, thus completely restricting any Blackburn efforts of thumping it long and hoping, but will face far sterner tests in the remaining games - 7
Lescott - Very similar to his central defensive partner. Not called into action a great deal, but was more than competent when needed - 7
Kolarov - One of his best game for the Blues, constantly troubling Blackburn’s defence with his crossing. Assisted our first and third goals with different, but both hugely effective, crosses. Untroubled defensively which meant he was able to advance at every opportunity - 8
De Jong - Solid enough in midfield, but his protection and cover in shielding our defence wasn’t needed. Saw plenty of the ball and managed to keep play ticking over - 7
Y. Touré - Some of his crossfield passes were exquisite, spreading our play and constantly stretching the opposition defence. Plenty of neat touches in and around the box and was able to control the tempo of the match without ever really exerting himself too much - 8
A. Johnson - The one disappointing performance yesterday. Struggled to make any sort of impact despite occupying some intelligent positions out wide. His presence on the wing did allow more space for others, but when in possession, he really must do more with it - 6
Silva - Again, showed signs of returning to his majestic best, orchestrating our attacks with his fluent movement and precise passing. Has a magical ability to keep possession under pressure and battled hard throughout. My man of the match, just edging out Kolarov and Yaya Touré - 8
Balotelli - A disciplined display, including a superbly taken opener. His movement was top notch all game, constantly dropping off to make space or bursting through the centre to get ahead of the defender, as he did for his goal. Worked hard, too and linked up well with those around him - 7.5
Aguero - Didn’t have to be at his lethal best but was more than good enough as we strolled to victory. Finished brilliantly for his strike, managing to keep the ball down when it looked easy to blast over. Movement, workrate and touch, as we have come to expect, were all first class - 7
Subs
Pizarro - Another impressive cameo from Pizarro, fitting in easily to our style of play and helping to keep our passing style going. Picked out Kolarov in the build-up to Dzeko’s goal with finesse - 7
Džeko - Scored a great header from a cross, proving yet again how strong he is when aerial balls are put into the box - 7
Milner - Replaced Yaya with about five minutes to go when the intensity of the game had gone - No time to mark
Blackburn were lucky to get nought, easily the worst Premiership display I’ve seen this season. It took them 93 minutes to get a shot on target.
Very fair rating. Now more than ever we need a quality winger as Adam Johnson fails again to make proper impact and his influence is limited to one to two shoots in any given game.
If Edin Dezko is provided with proper aerial service, he will prove to be one of the most lethal striker in EPL.
we have to win all our remaining games to win the title and cant wait to see tevez along side with aguero also cannot wait for the derby
Why so hard on Johnson? He created an opportunity for Ballotelli in the first few minutes after a clever pass and move; his shot early on rebounded from the goalkeeper to Zabaletta and we could have scored from that. You say he only had a couple of shots – how many did Bllottelli, Dzecko, Silver, Aguero have? I think Johnson adds another dimension to what is sometimes a pedestrian attack.
kolarov was immense but dont think u wil ever give him a fair rating dzeko was good aguero wasnt at his best did we hav any cbs werent needed tbh
CITY BAD PATCH IS OVER
UNITED HAVE TO TRAVEL TO COMS AND WHITE H LANE
WE HAVE A GREAT CHANCE IF WE KEEP OUR MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS FIT
UNITED LOOK THE MOST LIKELY TO DROP POINTS AT THE MOMENT
THEIR MIDFIELD IS VERY AVERAGE WITHOUT SCHOLES AND GIGGS SPURS ARGUABLY WILL OUTPLAY THEM IN THIS DEPARTMENT ONCE THEY GET THERE CONFIDENCE BACK AFTER THE DERBY AND TALK OF HARRY AND THE ENGLAND JOB IS NOT EFFECTING THERE COMMITMENT