MAN CITY 1 – 0 West Brom – PLAYER RATINGS
8 May
Hart - Excellent handling for the most part when shots were fired in but he missed one cross, flapping unsuccessfully, only to be saved by defenders behind him - 6
Richards - He looked woefully unfit when he returned recently but this was a much better, stronger, more complete performance. Sharp to the tackle, powerful in the air and authoritative at set-pieces - 7
K. Touré – Seemed to anticipate danger very well and made a number of crucial blocks but lacks the composure required on the ball - 6
Lescott – Given a tough time by the strength and hold-up play of Lukaku and was slightly hesitant in defensive areas. Will step aside for Nastasic come Saturday afternoon - 6
Kolarov - Operated for much of proceedings as a raiding wingback and he relished that freedom, even if he couldn’t always provide the final ball. Left plenty of space behind him which West Brom exploited at will and was fortunate to avoid receiving a red card for his challenge on Tamas - 6
Garcia – Struggled, as usual, to provide cover in front of the defence but improved after the break and was an efficient enough figure in the later stages of the match - 6
Rodwell – His enthusiasm is infectious. Wasted a few opportunities to open his City account but his bursts forward from midfield, his eagerness to press and his all-round intensity is a joy to watch. Desperately needs to stay fit now because he has all the ingredients to be a top player - 7.5
Milner - Was a standout figure in the first half with his tricky wing play and constant stream of crosses into the box. Faces a fight with Nasri to be named in the starting line-up for the cup final - 7
Nasri - A couple of surges from deeper, carrying the ball with him at pace and showing the sort of drive that has been missing from his game so often. Looked lively around the edge of the box - 7
Tévez - The best player on the pitch, his workrate and control an example to others. Provided the assist for Dzeko’s goal with a delicate cross and led the line superbly, stretching West Brom’s backline and offering an outlet up front - 8
Džeko - Took his goal superbly but was otherwise remotely average. His first few contributions were dire, his first touch always gifting possession away, but he did seem to have more awareness after the break - 6
Subs
Barry – A useful run-out to keep him ticking over - 6
Maicon – One lovely burst down the right and pinpoint pull-back to Tévez and one audacious effort with the outside of his right foot sailed high and wide - 6
Razak – I’m not sure he even touched the ball - No time to mark
Maicon was dreadful when he came on. So much so that the City fans sung the Zabaleta song to him. Anything higher than a 4 for him is outrageous. Absolutely dreadful cameo.
Bacon face retiring – 10
The news are that Moyes is filling his shoes according to BBC. However; no matter who replaces the scum red-nosed clown, United is tasked with replacing the irreplaceable. They can still have success but it won’t be like before.
With Moyes gone, Everton is going to be screwed as well and that servers City well. By all accounts, City is the one that benefits most.
I didn’t no tevez was playing until the 20 the minute did he come out the tunnel late? Think that he is well to greedy gets the ball shoots misses great play by tevez to get a yard despite others being in acres of space expect he’ll be off in summer is we get cavani as I don’t c him wanting to be on bench all season most overrated player in the world
definitely not an overrated player, many football fans and pundits think hes a top footballer, im afraid they cant all be wrong. We need the odd player to be a bit more greedy in our team anyway, we were strongly criticised at times this season for not shooting enough, I actually think Aguero would benefit from shooting or dribbling a little more like Tevez
I truly hate Tevez for what he did, but this does not change the fact he is really top-class on the field. I do not mind him staying around as long as both the club and him can scratch each other’s back and once he is of no use, then they can boot him out of the club
Rodwell was absolutely outstanding. I would honestly play him in the semi-final, just the character, desire and want which all city players should have. If he stays fit he’ll be one heck of a player.
lets wait till he’s achieved something before we eulogise over a player we haven’t seen that much of yet.
If he plays well in the semi and we win on Saturday, would you play him in the final as well?
I reckon I can probably guess who you would drop for him
In the final? The final is on Saturday…..Correct, I would change formations and drop him for Nasri, or bring him on for Barry when he tires.
Anytime he had been called upon, Rodwell has produced a top-class performance. What truly like about him is his ability to be right pockets of space within the opponents’ box much like Lampard but the only difference is he is a DM. If City can manage his injuries we have a true gem and a great box-to-box midfileder
Totally agree Siamack (makes a nice change!!)
In the games against Chelsea, and especially last night, he looked like the real deal and at 12m could turn out to be a very shrewd buy.