MAN CITY 4 – 0 Newcastle – PLAYER RATINGS
20 Aug
Hart - One stop from a Tioté piledriver that was heading wide, but was otherwise a spectator as we dominated. Will face far tougher tests over the season so this was a relaxing and comfortable way to start - 6
Zabaleta - Picked up where he left off last campaign, surging forward at every available opportunity, showed tireless endeavour down the right flank and proving a powerful force in the tackle. Showed promising signs of linking up well with Navas - 7.5
Kompany - He has made all the right noises in pre-season about having recaptured the hunger and focus that was absent for lengthy periods last year and he put that into practice with an eager, sharp and silky display. Quick to the ball and always trying to step in ahead of his man, it was an impressive display from our captain - 7.5
Lescott – Linked heavily with a transfer throughout last season, he’s now our only fully-fit centre-back! Save for one moment when his lack of composure on the ball gifted away possession in a dangerous area, this was a routine night’s work – 7
Clichy – Our all-action, non-stop pressing game should suit Clichy perfectly and he produced a solid, if not flashy, performances out on the left. Bombed forward to provide width on his side and kept matters simple - 7
Y. Touré - A sublime free-kick to open his account for the season, but more tellingly he looked fitter and more determined to contribute for 90 minutes. A key figure when we control games, he also showed a willingness not only to burst forward but also to track back, which isn’t something he’s always done. Hopefully Pellegrini’s man-management and the presence of Fernandinho alongside him can coax the best from Yaya on a regular basis - 7
Fernandinho - Boundless energy, a willingness to get stuck into the opposition and the odd fancy moment of footwork when heading into the final third. He looks like the complete, all-round midfielder and as he adapts to the league, I can’t help but think he’ll prove to be a top acquisition - 7
Navas - A debut to excite. I expected him to stick to the wing and stretch the Newcastle backline more, but in the first half especially he tended to drift all over, causing havoc with his pace and movement. Later on, he offered glimpses of his enormous ability, repeatedly taking on the left-back and providing a stream of crosses into the box. A fine start - 8.5
Silva – He’s never been one to ignore his defensive duties, but he seemed intent on incessantly closing down the opposition and displaying his tougher side. Add in his majestic touch on the ball and the composure he exudes, and it was an eye-catching, fresh display. With greater freedom and more movement from those in attacking areas, he’ll surely benefit from the team playing a higher tempo this season - 8
Aguero - It was a surprise to see him named in the starting line-up having not played a minute of pre-season but he looked sprightly enough and took his goal superbly. Clearly not fully-fit but give him another couple of weeks and we’ll start to see the best of him once again - 7
Džeko - What happened to the moody, ineffective, half-hearted lump of a striker that took to the pitch last season?! With a manager who believes in him, Dzeko looks reborn, full of confidence and the desire to show off his talent. It’s too early to get carried away and I’ll reserve judgement until he’s spent a couple of games on the bench and off the scoresheet, but if he can maintain this level of commitment he’ll be a threat throughout - 8
Subs
Nasri – Determined to make an impression, he did just that. Took his goal clinically, showed a willingness to get involved and he’s another one who, if he can match application to his undoubted talent, could thrive this season - 7
Garcia – Replaced the injured Kompany and barely broke into a sweat. However, with him and Kolarov as the defensive cover on the bench, it did press home the need for reinforcements - 6
Negredo – Unfortunate to have a debut goal incorrectly disallowed for offside, but I can’t imagine it’ll be long before we see him notching - No time to mark
Comments spot on but but but am I the only person who thinks that a man of the match (or in your case 8 out of 10) should score at least once from seven clear cut chances? We all know who Im talking about, well as he played.
There is much more to man of the match than scoring. Dzeko was a our top scorer last season but the perception of him was nothing more than at least a failure and at most an ordinary striker.
Well put
And to think, here I was thinking that I would rate Tim Krul and Ben Arfa 8/10 for their performances. Seem baffled that your players got less than 9/10 for that performance tbh, was like a training match against Barnet
Not to impunge on dear Dzeko’s sweat, but i think that the MOTM should have been Navas. Did everything that could be done and more. Watching the replay twice yesterday, that thought have been reinforced
I have never been Garcia’s biggest fan and I know he didnt have too much to do, but he looked very composed at Centre Half and maybe might be his best position. I thought Silva was MoM he pulled all the strings and allowed Navas to shine, everyone was great though.
Pace and Width, Pace and Width!
Love the fact dzeko got man of the match after everyone slating him last season got himself 2 assists and muscled mbwia out the way so nasri could slot in our 4th lescott had a few nervy moments but his tackle on ben arfa was immense still think we need a new cb though