MAN CITY 5 – 0 Fulham – PLAYER RATINGS
22 Mar
Hart - Saw one Richardson effort whistle by his post in the opening exchanges but he was largely a spectator as our attacking guile caused carnage at the other end - 6
Zabaleta - A constant overlapping force down the right, dovetailing to great effect with Milner and then later Navas. Barely tested defensively and that gave him the freedom to surge forward and offer himself out wide - 7
Demichelis - Another good performance from the Argentine who, despite the conflicting media reports, is doing a solid enough job at the back. His composure on the ball and his positivity in possession mean we can start attacks from deep and he made a couple of timely interventions around our area - 7
Lescott – A comfortable afternoon for Lescott, such was City’s dominance and the visitors’ limited threat. As per usual, did what he needed to do with the minimum of fuss - 6
Kolarov - Enjoyed bursting forward, stretching play and unfortunate to see his powerful sidefoot strike crash against the woodwork. On occasions he could move the ball along a touch quicker, but his delivery from the left adds an important element to the team - 7
Y. Touré - Two penalties, both of which were coolly stroked home, and then a swerving thunderbolt to seal his hat-trick, a goal which brought back memories of his stunner away to Viktoria Plzen earlier in the season. Controlled the midfield without exerting himself too much, but whenever he drifted forward he had an impact - 8
Fernandinho - Flitting around, he’s more of a darting presence in contrast to Yaya’s imposing stature, but they combine effortlessly and this was another impressive display. Technically, he’s so comfortable and loves to burst forward to join attacks. His goal, an intelligent drop-of-the-shoulder and then a thumping drive into the top corner, was delightful - 7
Milner - Despite Yaya’s trio of goals, Milner was my man of the match. His ability is often understated, overlooked due to his tireless running, but his fluency around the likes of Silva and Nasri says plenty about his qualities. His movement on Saturday was sublime, always drifting close to others, offering an option, and his touch and vision, as demonstrated by his flick to Silva when we were awarded the second penalty, were terrific - 8
Nasri - Plenty of drive and intent when in possession and he was influential in our probing endeavours, but such was Fulham’s feeble resistance, we didn’t require too much of his invention - 7
Silva – As I’ve said in the past, we may have become accustomed to his dancing brilliance, but that shouldn’t diminish it. He was once again magical in his nominal role just behind the striker. Confident when dropping deep or drifting wide to engineer space for himself, and his poise and balance continue to thrill - 8
Negredo - His desire and physicality won the first penalty and although it wasn’t a successful afternoon in terms of etching his name onto the scoresheet, he was lively enough as the focal point of our attacks - 6
Subs
Navas – A perfect substitute to introduce when the opposition are tiring and the game is become stretched. Fired over a stream of teasing crosses - 6
Rodwell - Only a brief appearance but it was great to see him back and there were a series of his trademark glides into the box. Loves to bomb forward and found himself in a couple of excellent positions - 6
Jovetic – Great to see him return - No time to mark
Glad for demich that he got a goal today, I obviously hope he continues his good form on Tues night, good to see milner getting a start & playing well, he’d be an asset to any team, surely negredo has to score soon, this week maybe??? Sure hope so.
Thought Negredo probably deserved more than a 6 for his all round game and effort, but he desperately needs a goal; with 3 out of the next 4 being rags, gooners and scousers away we need a striker bang in form
Oh my god, what a MIDFIELDER you are YAYA! Amazing goal fantastic power he is simply the best in the world!
Great perfomance from the whole team, congratulations! if we keep up the good work we will win the league although we have a tougher schedule than Chelsea.
I hope all the transfer talk about Milner to Tottenham or Liverpool is just rumours. This year Milner has been fantastic!
AT LAST: Pelegrini finally understands that without Aguero it isn’t worth it to remove a player from the center and play with 2 strikers. Especially when Jovetic is out too. I am glad that Silva plays behind the forward this is his natural position. You can’t play SUCH a creative player at the wings.
Think we’re a better team with Milner in the lineup- he makes so much happen. He should be an automatic starter with Aguero out
All round improvement and we will need to improve again for our up coming fixtures. Think Pelle will splash the cash in May lets all remember its his first season!!!