MAN CITY 3 – 2 Sporting Lisbon – PLAYER RATINGS

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Hart - Came over so close to recording the ultimate comeback with his header that was tipped just round the post with the last touch of the game. Could not have done much for either Sporting goal, although he did take a small step to his right as Fernandez’s struck his freekick and then couldn’t get to his left in time - 6

Richards - Struggled in the first half against the pace and trickery of Capel down Sporting’s left but became an important figure in the second half with his power down the right. Ought to have done better on occasions when in promising positions - 6

K. Touré - The more impressive of our centre-backs but still nowhere near his best. Troubled by the movement of Van Wolfswinkel but began to read the game better as the match wore on. Comfortable in bringing the ball out of defence - 6

Savic - This was the first game when I thought the constant focus on his every touch really affected him. The crowd was nervous whenever Savic was in possession and that, I felt, did have an impact upon his play. His decision was poor, he looked unsure at times and really must up his game if given another opportunity - 5

Kolarov - His first seventy minutes were, no exaggeration, absolutely pathetic. Defensively, he was abject, allowing far too much space for Sporting’s attackers, not tracking back when needed and committing clumsy challenges. He partially redeemed himself with a few outstanding and threatening crosses late on, but he’s sadly nowhere near good enough for where we want to be - 5

Pizarro - Started superbly, controlling the tempo of the game in the opening exchanges, but unfortunately he faded quickly and was replaced in the second half. Tried too many long-range defence splitting passes for my liking, often looking for the highlight ball instead of keeping the play ticking over - 6

Y. Touré - Another one who started slowly but improved after the break. Grew incredibly frustrated with everyone and everything in the first half, as he struggled to gain any sort of foothold in midfield, but he was more of a threat in the second period. Lovely pass to Aguero for his first goal - 6

A. Johnson - Was one of our brighter sparks in the first half, though that’s not saying too much! Did seem keen to be involved and had our best effort with a volley he put wide. Sacrificed at the interval, possibly at touch harshly, but his absence did enable Richards to bomb on more - 6

Silva - Not quite as poor as he was against Swansea but still nowhere near his best form. Improved when there were more bodies around him in the early stages of the second half but his final touch isn’t there at the moment. Will benefit from nearly a week’s rest before the Chelsea game - 6

Balotelli - One of his more frustrating evening, when very little came right and he always carried the impression of someone who would get sent off. Struggled to be involved too much in the first half when his first touch let him down, but did look sharper when out wide left after the break. Slotted home his penalty as we’ve come to expect but needs to raise his overall level of performance - 5.5

Aguero - An insipid and laboured first half, but then bounced back with a rousing display in the final half hour. For someone seemingly lacking in confidence, he took his first goal superbly, turning and controlling with precision. Added another late on and hopefully this is a sign that he’s returning to form - 6.5

Subs

De Jong - Brought on at the break in a move that was derided by many, but Mancini’s thinking was clear to see. The presence of the Dutchman allowed Yaya to advance further and also limited Sporting’s hopes on the counter attack. Saw plenty of possession and was neat, if a touch slow, with his distribution - 6

Džeko - The Bosnian was much sharper than he has been recently, showing all the traits of a top target man. He was pacy, strong in the air, clever in bringing others into play and was the catalyst for our impressive second half showing. Perhaps the possibility of Tévez returning has inspired him - 7

Nasri - Didn’t really ever look likely of breaking down Sporting’s defence but he tidy enough. Could have done, as usual, with showing more intent and desire - 6

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