Bayern Munich 2 – 3 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
11 Dec
Hart - He must have feared a painful evening after the first two goals whistled past him, but as those in front of him got to grips with the task, Hart was a solid final barrier. Made one good stop from Gotze, quickly out and spreading himself well, and his handling throughout was secure - 7
Richards - Tormented in the early exchanges by Ribery, he suffered yet another hamstring injury and hobbled off. Time is surely running out on his City career - 5
Demichelis - A nightmare opening but then demonstrated all his knowhow and experience to marshal the defence. Anticipated Bayern’s intricate passing, was aggressive without committing himself too easily and was a leader at the back as we gained control of proceedings - 7.5
Lescott - Recovered impressively after a worryingly hesitant couple of moments early on. Settled down to his usual solid self, clearing crosses, organising others and displaying his admirable character - 7
Kolarov - Culpable for Bayern’s first goal as he let Muller ghost in behind him but he showed resilience and spirit after that. Slotted home the penalty comfortably – it was more of a surprise not to see him blast it straight down the middle as hard as he could – and galloped down the left as frequently as possible in the second half - 7
Garcia - Given a tough time early on but his second half performance was arguably the best we’ve seen from him in a City shirt. Won his tackles, read the game and distributed the ball quickly and efficiently - 7
Fernandinho - One of the star performers on the night. Grew into the game after an unsteady first few minutes and then stamped his energetic authority on the midfield. Decisive in the tackle, he was intelligent in possession and showed willingness to burst forward - 8
Navas - A key outlet when we were under pressure in the first half and we could punt the ball forward, knowing his pace would cause problems. Supplied a delightful cross for the first goal and although I’d like to see him take on his fullback more often, he was a constant presence out wide - 7
Milner - Those who deride him claim he is nothing more than a footballer who runs a lot. If ever proof were needed of what nonsense that is, Milner provided it last night. Against possibly the best fullback in the world, he was tremendous. His discipline and tactical awareness nullified the threat of Lahm and he had the quality to impose himself on the game. Assisted one, won a penalty for the second (albeit with what I think was a dive) and scored the winner - 8.5
Silva - He’s back. He may have slightly forgotten amidst the goals and slick performances the team produced in his absence, but his genius should never be taken for granted. In his first match back, his touch was sublime, his passing crisp and creative and his workrate first class - 8
Džeko - More performances like this and fans wouldn’t be so keen for him to leave. Whether it was him putting himself in the German shop window, we don’t know but he was a transformed figure. Powerful in the air, cultured on the ground and tireless in working for the team, he was a driven individual and acted as a leading target man - 8
Subs
Zabaleta - A mountain. Faced with the not inconsiderable threat of Ribery, he was impermeable. Quick to the challenge and forceful yet fair in winning the ball, he was a rock at the back. Managed to support Navas as best he could - 8.5
Negredo - Had one decent opportunity to score the fourth goal which would have sent us through as group winners - 6
Rodwell – A late introduction - No time to mark
A great win and a great performance from Garcia and Kolarov in the second half. Let’s hope that is how they are going play more often than not from now which is nothing more than bad news for our rivals esp the scum rags.
Lescott in the 1st 20 minutes looked way out of his depth how u gave him a 7 is bizarre he gave away 2 corners his distribution was poor and he gave away freekicks in a dangerous area
Fortunately, there were another 70 minutes for him to atone. And he did so very well.
Lescott and ‘usual solid self’ in the same sentance, now I am confused.
I guess there are many Aussieblue’s around but if you are the Aussieblue I took to the Millenium Stadium to watch City play TNS please get back in touch via this blog.
Andy/Alph
Surprised you gave Milner an 8.5, sounds like your underselling him as well.
Give credit where credits due.
Give the guy a break Adam, 8.5 is a heck of a score
Good overall assessment but I think you are really harsh on Micah. Give the guy a break, he must be devastated by another injury. Some people seem to have short memories. Is that what you wrote about him in the premiership winning season when he was absolutely fantastic and a total rock in the defence? Maybe you would recommend he go to Everton??