MAN CITY 3 – 0 Crystal Palace – PLAYER RATINGS
21 Dec
Hart - A couple of punches under pressure in the first half, but was a spectator for lengthy periods as the visitors offered little attacking threat - 6
Zabaleta - For all the talk about absent strikers and the subsequent focus on City’s creative midfielders stepping up to the mark, Zabaleta’s impact from right-back was as crucial as that of any other player. It’s not just that he makes frequent forward runs, it’s the timing of them that is so eye-catching. Always in the game and always a valuable outlet - 8
Demichelis - Enjoyed a brief tussle with Campbell, but came out comfortably on top. Such was City’s control, this was a very relaxed way to celebrate his birthday - 6
Mangala - Just the type of game he needs as he continues to ease himself into the rhythm of English football. Didn’t have a great deal to do, but did everything with the minimum of fuss - 6
Kolarov - Two typically thumping crosses, one of which led to Silva’s second goal, and he relished the freedom afforded to him. With Nasri drifting inside to influence play in more central areas, he had the space to advance down the left - 6
Fernandinho - Operated in the shadows of the game for the most part, leaving our more forward-thinking players to unlock Palace’s door. Picked up any loose balls and kept the ball moving in midfield - 7
Y. Touré - It’s nothing we’re not used to, but some of his touches for a big man are quite exquisite. Played a few throughballs and clipped passes that released the likes of Milner and Zabaleta, and then showed great drive to finish off the move for the third goal - 8
Navas - A standard Navas display, really. Some good moments when he looked threatening, but other occasions when you wished he would be more direct and attack the space - 6
Nasri - Continued his excellent recent form with another purposeful and inventive showing. Even with Silva in the team, he was happy to accept plenty of responsibility and every time he picked up the ball he made things happen. At the heart of all our best play - 8.5
Silva - There’s not a lot left to be said about him. His touches around the box and his ability to draw defenders towards him and thus create more room for others is spellbinding, and it was nice to see him add a couple of goals to his game. If he scored more, he would rightly be regarded as the best player in the league - 8
Milner - Sacrificed himself as usual for the team. Wasn’t always directly involved in our attacking endeavours, but that’s because he was so selfless in making key runs and leaving space for his teammates - 7
Subs
Lampard – Some neat touches as we closed out the game - 6
Fernando – Minimal impact - No time to mark
Sinclair - Did he touch the ball? - No time to mark
Sinclair could have added a fourth if Fernando had passed to him on a late break
Navas tracking and harrying is really good. Though as rightfully mentioned he is ordinary in attack, his defensive work makes his display a balanced one.