Aston Villa 0 – 2 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS

Hart - One vital stop to deny Richardson when through on goal. Hardly called into action otherwise - 6

Zabaleta - Not as much of an attacking threat as he often is, but very solid down the right flank. His influence increased after the break and he started to become a little more prominent in the final third as we pushed for the breakthrough - 7

Kompany - His first-half display, as other struggled with their passing and intensity, was excellent in preventing the home side from gaining any attacking encouragement. Quick to nullify their breaks forward, he was strong in the air, sharp on the ground and eager to bring the ball forward - 8

Mangala - This was just the game that he would have wished for to ease himself back in after what happened away to Hull. Villa have pace in attack, but so does Mangala and he was comfortable in sitting back and intercepting the occasional counter-attack - 6

Kolarov - Struck the post in the first half and looked to push forward to provide width as often as he could, but his delivery was so-so and he wasted a couple of inviting opportunities - 6

Fernandinho - Another struggle for the Brazilian, who is yet to reach his electrifying heights of last season. Against Villa’s energy and dynamism, he seemed lightweight and leggy - 5

Y. Touré - A fairly tame showing, as has been the case more often than not this season, but then did what he does best by scoring a crucial goal. He took his strike nonchalantly, gliding forward and stroking the ball home. When he does things like that, it only serves to frustrate that he can be so insipid at times - 7

Milner - Continued his outstanding recent form. Derided for so long by those who don’t understand the game, he’s now showing the masses just how important he is to our side. His movement, especially when Silva has possession, is remarkable and his touch on the ball is far, far better than often given credit for. He’s clearly not as glamorous as others in the squad, but City are a better team when Milner plays - 8.5

Silva - As per usual, he was at the heart of everything positive we did. Fairly quiet in the first half by his standards, but then as we needed someone to unlock Villa’s resilient door, he accepted the responsibility and was magnificent after the break - 8.5

Aguero - The frustrated relief that was clear in his goal celebration told you everything about his mindset at the moment. He is trying so hard – perhaps too hard – but he’s nowhere near his peak on a consistent basis. Still scoring and contributing, but there are another few levels to come from him - 7

Džeko - His overall performances have been very impressive over the past month, but this was a return to the gangly, awkward and uncoordinated Dzeko. His touch was awry and he seemed on a different wavelength to those around him - 5

Subs

Lampard - Brought an increased measure of urgency to our play and there were frequent signs of his late bursts into the box. Drove one shot straight at Guzan - 6

Fernando – It was as if he had never been away! Provided balance and control, sitting deep, protecting the defence and allowing his teammates to express themselves further forward - 7

Navas - Little time to make an impact - No time to mark

Follow @viewfromablue