MAN CITY 2 – 0 Bolton – PLAYER RATINGS
4 Mar
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Hart - Busier than he was against Blackburn last week, but still relatively untroubled. A couple of routine stops before diverting one testing Miyachi effort away - 7
Zabaleta - Started well, providing an energetic option down our right, but forced off early due to a hamstring injury. Depending on the severity, could return for the fixture against Chelsea in a couple of weeks - 6.5
Kompany - Another comfortable afternoon, troubled only occasionally by the rangy N’Gog. Managed to bring the ball out of defence with ease on a number of occasions, displaying neat footwork and a pleasing turn of pace - 7
Lescott - Will face far tougher challenges in the next few games. Coasted through this match without ever needing to exert himself - 7
Clichy - Played a vital role in the opening goal, his speculative effort taking a deflection before beating the hugely impressive Bogdan. Was a willing runner throughout the game, supporting Nasri well down the left and creating another wide option - 7
Pizarro - Having seen his quality in a few brief cameos from the bench, we finally got to see him from the start and he didn’t disappoint. Has an uncanny knack of finding space, picked the right pass more often than not and used the ball well. Wasn’t tested defensively, but this was a confident full debut - 7.5
Barry - A dominant and ruthless display from the centre of midfield. Always available to receive the ball and not afraid to tackle when needed. Managed to fire a couple of shots of goal and he seemed to enjoy the presence of Pizarro alongside him, which enabled Barry to push that bit further forward - 7.5
A. Johnson - Produced a delightful backheel to set up Balotelli’s goal but as per usual, failed to have any consistent impact. Received the ball on the wing plenty of times, but didn’t take on his man, preferring instead to always cut inside - 6.5
Y. Touré - Operated from his move advanced role and was a constant threat to Bolton’s backline. Passing was crisp, his link-up play with Balotelli was promising, and his surges from midfield terrified the opposition defence. Has shed half a stone since he departed for the African Cup of Nations and we’re seeing the benefits - 8
Nasri - Having started on the periphery, he became more involved as the game wore on and looked very sharp in the second half. Likes to enjoy plenty of touches when in possession, something which often slows down our play, but he was influential in the second period - 7
Balotelli - A very mixed display from Balotelli. Constantly in the right positions to score but it just wasn’t his day in front of goal. Saw Bogdan brilliantly tip his early effort on the post and was thwarted on numerous occasions by Bolton’s keeper, but finally tucked one home in the second half. Link up play was good, his pace was there for all to see and provided he continues to take up goalscoring positions, he will keep getting his name on the scoresheet - 7
Subs
K. Touré - Replaced Zabaleta early on and slotted in well to an unfamiliar rightback role. Struggled occasionally with the pace of Miyachi but took every opportunity to bomb forward, even testing Bogdan with a couple of shots - 7
Džeko - Added another body in attack and looked bright enough without really threatening - 6.5
Milner - Brought on in the final few minutes to shore matters up - No time to mark
Awful Pizzarro rating and thats what you get by not being at the match – first 20 minutes he was briliant, after that, wayward pass after wayward pass, almost gifting Ngog the chance to get back in the game and tired easily – also too good fo Balo too, he should have scored 5 that day
I was at the match and thought Pizzaro was good for 60 minutes until he tired, Yaya Toure was immense today, Kompany seemed to benefit from having Kolo in defence with him which allowed him more freedom to come out of defence forgetting that Mario forgot his shooting boots his work rate was superb and if he carries on working like that he will score plenty between now and the end of the season. I must admit I did not see Kolo troubled by pace at any time. Only when he slipped on 1 occasion
Pizarro got subbed at 61minutes.. He tired well before that.
we should play kolo toure now hes got experience lescott too slow.we must win our remaining games coz united are chasing us like hungry dogs.balotelli should have scored 5-6 goals but he missed open goals too bad im happy that aguero and silva didnt play we neef them for europa league
agree wiv the lescott and toure comment but since wen was the europa league r prioty? Wudnt mind seein savic partner vk midweek savic has had alot of badpress but has not had a leader beside him telling him wot to do lets c wot this lad can really do
Credit when credit is due. Lescott has been nothing short of outstanding and has been solid game after game. It is fair to say that he has earned his place and if anyone is to take his place, he has to earn it. I am not saying this as Lescott fan as I have never been a fan but the lad has been excellent.