Stoke 1 – 1 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
16 Sep
Hart - Largely untested as Stoke failed to muster even irregular attacks but he commanded his area well, claiming crosses and adding an air of authority to the backline - 6
Maicon - Clearly far fonder of bombing forward than he is defending. Offered a willing attacking outlet, displaying neat footwork and almost scored a volley to cap off a wonderful move. However, troubled by Etherington and seemed a touch vulnerable at the back - 6.5
Kompany - Crouch posed occasional problems in the first half with his awkward, gangly style but Kompany soon imposed himself and enjoyed a trouble-free second period - 7
Lescott – Very similar to his central defensive partner. A couple of sticky moments early on but was virtually a passenger after the break - 7
Clichy – Provided a wide option down the left, getting forward as much as possible and defending solidly, anticipating well Stoke’s attempts to play the ball between him and Lescott. Managed to win some headers, too - 7
Garcia – Scored an excellent header and came ever so close to a dramatic debut winner but I was a little underwhelmed with his overall performance. Passing was over-simplified and too cautious, lacking in any intent and although he put in a couple of crunching challenges, I expected more - 6
Y. Touré - Imposed himself more on the midfield as the game wore on and had a very powerful final few minutes but ought to have scored when through on goal after the ball rebounded of Scott Sinclair - 6.5
Sinclair - An impressive debut full of character and willing. Showed no fear in getting stuck in and dribbling with the ball, and would have delighted Mancini will his willingness to track back, making a few challenges whilst defending. There’s more to come but this was promising - 7
Nasri - After a strong start to the season, this was a touch disappointing from the Frenchman. Busy and looked to get involved as much as possible but very little seemed to come off. The flicks were unnecessary and the link-up didn’t quite fire - 6
Balotelli - Provoked endlessly by Stoke’s defenders, especially the thuggish Andy Wilkinson, but maintained his composure throughout. Displayed some pleasant touches including his silky footwork to win the free-kick that resulted in Garcia’s header but wasted his best opportunity in front of goal - 6
Tévez - Our brightest spark in the hour he was on the pitch. Worked tirelessly, dropping deeper at times to help out the midfield and showing great strength to build our attacks. Replaced by Gareth Barry but will be a key figure at the Bernabeu if we are to return to Manchester with anything - 7.5
Subs
Barry – Great to see him back after missing the opening three games of the season. Slotted in seamlessly, adding urgency to our play and even supporting the attack in the latter stages - 6.5
Silva – Could have been introduced earlier and made an impact in his time on the pitch. His touch wasn’t always there but he looked sharp - 6.5
Dzeko - I felt he ought to have been brought on much earlier and he nearly won the game for us in injury time - No time to mark
I’m not dissappointed with Garcia. He almost matched De jong’s career goal-total at City in his first match!
I’m a bit in the dark as to why Clichy hasn’t played the first few matches.
Can’t help feeling that Mancini had one eye on Real Madrid midweek with this team selection. Dzeko should have started. He’s innefective against the very best defences, but Stoke are the kind of team he scores a hatfull against.
Thought Garcia did very well. What a hard debut stoke away is. think you are very harsh giving him a six and I think you don’t understand what sort of player he is. Underwhelmed. What was you expecting, a de Jong silva hybrid. Ffs.
I think Gacia had a decent performance knowing that his first game was against Stoke that has uniquely combined UFC and Basketball with football. I have no doubt he would be a big hit in a few games.
Garcia 8, Balotelli 8 he showed great character, tevez 8
For (i think) the first time I disagree… Thought Garcia was excellent, clichy was my MOM again (how Kolarov is often picked ahead of him baffles me) and thought Sinclair was pointless. And Hart needs to lose the goonish face he seems to have developed and get with his job. Agree with the rest
Must disagree.. Garcia was absolute quality
A little harsh on Garcia…especially on his debut.Judge him in a few weeks, but it does make you wonder why we allowed De Jong to leave.
That might have been a bit harsh on debut boy Garcia, but there’s more than a bit of the ‘blue tinted specs’ about some of these posts.
Garcia has been introduced because he looks to have the all round game to complement Yaya and replace him during enforced absences. Apart from his goal mouth threat, he did little more than encourage me that he may well have the game to do that, but it’s sensible for the jury to remain out for half a season to allow him to settle in. We can then assess how he compares with Rodwell and Barry for what would seem likely to be one starting position when Yaya is available for selection.
As for NDJ, he made his choice and it was probably a wise one. He declined to accept the best termms the Club would offer to extend his contract, he wanted parity with players who got better terms in the splurge which came after a while after he signed, but that was never going to happen. The loose spending was already being reined in and Nigel, a key man in the earlier times albeit a key man with a limited skillset, became a peripheral figure as Mancini became more expansive rducing his defensive midfield starting lineup to two, with Yaya and Barry winning the battle for places.
I wish Nigel well, he was first name on the teamsheet for a while, a dedicated and wholehearted professional. If Javi Garcia has his heart to go with a wider range of skills he will be well appreciated by City fans.
I really must remember to proof read
Dzeko should *always* start in preference to Balotelli – especially given that the big man has been on fire in preseason and for his national side. Balotelli adds very little to the side IMHO and Dzeko’s hold up play has improved beyond recognition. Sinclair – just don’t get it. He’s a good championship player or a very average PL player. Is he really an upgrade on Johnson? Tevez should never have been taken off – easily our biggest threat along with Yaya. Wonder what Mancio’s thinking sometimes but I’m sure “Ees difficult” managing City