Arsenal 1 – 0 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
9 Apr
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Hart - Looked decidedly uncertain when it came to crosses and was caught under the flight of the ball on a couple of occasions, but his shot-stopping was superb. Tipped Walcott’s effort miraculously onto the post in the second half and could not have done anything to prevent Arteta’s goal - 7
Zabaleta - A surprising choice ahead of Micah Richards, but produced a solid enough performance. Unable to attack with any frequency down the right, although he did manage to get in the way of Aguero once when the striker was presented with a good opportunity - 6.5
Kompany - A leader amongst grateful followers. After a below-par display last week against Sunderland, he was back to his imperious best. Authoritative and commanding, he largely managed to restrain Van Persie and did not deserve to finish on the losing side - 8.5
Lescott - Returned following injury and was a reassuring presence in the heart of defence. Dealt comfortably with Arsenal’s barrage of crosses and can feel aggrieved, like his captain, to have lost the game - 8
Clichy - Given a tough time early on with Walcott and Sagna a threat down Arsenal’s left, but he battled well and managed to limit the impact of that duo’s crosses. Struggled to offer an attacking option, save for one mazy run, but could have done with more support in the latter stages - 7
Barry - Bypassed far too easily in the opening exchanges but he quickly got to grips with the task and grew into the game. Produced a few blocks and interceptions, though without Yaya alongside him, found it tough at times to keep possession - 6.5
Milner - Started out wide but then shifted into the centre of midfield following Yaya’s injury. Couldn’t get a foothold in the game and was made to look sluggish by Arsenal’s movement - 5
Y. Touré - Picked up a needless caution after a couple of minutes and then was forced off with a knee injury shortly afterwards. Had struggled to impose himself up until that point anyway - No time to mark
Nasri - Much was expected of him on his return to the Emirates, but just like in the Carling Cup, he was a huge disappointment. Whether or not the jeers affected him, I’m not sure, but he seemed lacking in desire and jumped out of a few challenges. Showed occasional glimpses but flattered to deceive - 5
Balotelli - Ah Mario. Unsurprisingly in the headlines. On a positive note, he looked our liveliest attacker, holding the ball up well with his back to goal and showing some trickery and a good turn of pace out wide. However, his lack of self-control is alarming. Ought to have been sent off for his challenge on Song, and from then on he was a dismissal waiting to happen. Still only very young, still hugely talented but really needs to buckle down and focus on making the most of his potential - 4
Aguero - Failed to make any impression on his return to the side, although the service he received was very limited. Couldn’t bring others into play on the rare occasions we had men forward and was replaced in the second half - 5
Subs
Pizarro - His introduction made us start to pass the ball around with a bit more fluency, as he began to orchestrate the tempo from deep. However, he struggled to keep up with the pace of the game as Arsenal pressed high up and he was partially culpable for the goal - 6
Kolarov - Brought on to offer Clichy some protection down the left in the latter stages, though didn’t have any real chance to make an impact - No time to mark
Tévez - Replaced Aguero though made no impression. Trudged off, head down, at the end without going over to acknowledge the travelling City supporters - No time to mark
Comming from a gooner can just say have so much respect for Kompany he was a true leader for you and when he made the rest of the team go greet your fans, for me he seemed the only one maybe lescott to who had pride in wearing your shirt. Also the Nasri display we had that alot last year when we really needed him, he turns up when he wants
Said it before and will say it again, Aguero will never win the ball in the air against center backs who are up to a foot taller than him. Balotelli – all the potential in the world but a total lack of respect for opponents, team mates and ultimately himself, hope that losing his place in the national team will make him take a good long look at himself, but somehow doubt it. The challenge on Song shows that he did actually get a bit of the ball before following through with studs but no excuse, glad that Song didn’t show any lasting effects.
People need to lay off super Mario. Diving, dangerous tackles etc are done by players of every team and more often than not they get away from it. If you doubt me, take a look at Rooney’s tackle in QPR game which looks like a definite red card. Media has put a lot of attention on him and make a mountain out of a mole when it comes to him. Balo needs to wise up or to get crucified by Media. His tackle was also a definite red card, mind you. He was among very few players along side Kompany and Lescott who gave it all during the game.
Disagree RE: Zaba comment – he was flying to head that ball and would have been a bullet header unstoppable into top corner. Aguero got in his way as all he would have musted whilst leaning back owuld have been a tame flick.