MAN CITY 2 – 1 Sheffield Wednesday – PLAYER RATINGS
5 Jan
Caballero - A goalkeeper of his high standards may be a touch disappointed at conceding in the way he did, with the ball nowhere near the corner of the net, but in truth he had very little to do. Distribution was crisp and excellent - 6
Sagna - In a game like yesterday when we require an overlapping presence out wide to bolster our attacks, Sagna is not a patch on Zabaleta. Defensively he’s fine, but he lacks the finesse and the barnstorming runs to have too much of an attacking impact - 6
Boyata - Nuhiu was an uncomfortable lump up front, but Boyata mostly handled him without too many issues. Position could be questioned for the goal - 6
Mangala - Out of position in the build up to the visitors’ strike, he shouldn’t have allowed May to run in behind so easily. Recovered after that, although could have been more positive in possession rather than constantly pass it safely along the backline - 6
Kolarov - Oh dear. One of the worst performances we’ve seen in a while at the Etihad and he still had the chutzpah to have a go at a couple of sections of fans who voiced their displeasure about yet another negative pass. He was appalling. Struggled to find a blue shirt, failed to see some clever attacking runs and was replaced to great effect - 3
Fernando - Battled manfully with Nuhiu from set-pieces and formed a decent enough shield in front of the defence, especially in the second half as the team looked to push forward - 6
Y. Touré - His first half was characterised by petulance as he became increasingly frustrated at the referee’s decisions, but did manage to focus a little more after the break. He set the tone for our soporific tempo at times, though, taking far too many touches and not showing any urgency in his play - 5
Lampard - After the great impact he has made throughout the season as an impact substitute, this was a disappointing display. His passing was off key, his touch somewhat heavy and it was no surprise to see him taken off in the second half - 5
Navas - Saw a great deal of the ball yesterday as we looked to break the away side down and if we were to create anything, it felt like he would have a hand in it. There’s still the lingering feeling he should achieve far more than he actually does, but contributed another assist for Milner’s winner - 7
Milner - Had been on the fringes for most of the game, but then delivered the goods just when we needed. Doesn’t score anywhere near enough considering the chances he gets, yet few will be complaining now! - 6
Jovetic - Flick, flick, flick. He shows a willingness to run at defenders and commit them and make something happen, but all too often he concedes possession with a needless flick. There was one moment in the second half, when Caballero found him perfectly with a goalkick only to see Jovetic lose the ball by trying a fancy layoff to Kolarov, that summed him up - 5
Subs
Silva - He was on the bench just in case he was needed and boy were we thankful! Changed the pattern of the game, adding his touches of class and composure - 7
Nasri - See Silva! - 7
Clichy - Made a difference with his energy and calmness - 6
Well VfaB, if we are to have a poor showing let’s have it when it doesn’t matter too much and we win anyway!
There were a few players, Wully, Sagna, AK, Boy Otter, Jove, who needed the game for fitness and confidence and if they have some crap games to get out the system (Sagna/AK) best now rather than later. AK is too good at what he does well to be playing in that abysmal fashion fashion when he’s needed. It sems only a few weeks ago that Clichy was looking distinctly poor and AK was looking the best left wingback in the league. As for Sagna, there’s only one Zaba but he needs a break from time to time, especially when has a 3cm slash and a lump the size of a gold ball above his eye, courtesy of his pal Mangler!
It’s remarkable how complimentary we all were about Jimmy’s finishing when everyone else was saying it was rubbish.
– it just goes to show,
we’re the kiddies in the know……
Alph
Sorry guys, I never learn; you’ll have to proof read as you go along!!
Looking more and more like we’ll lose Jimmy at the end of the season – shame.
Jimmy Milner 6??? Are you sure. Ran his knackers off and scored our two goals whilst playing out of position….. again!!!! Very very harsh sir.
Jimmy had a woeful first half, hardly touched it and out of it for large parts of the game, think 6 is very fair. 1 cracking finish though.
Navas defensive work is great. He covers a lot of ground in tracking back. That is sort of player you need in midfield.
The frustrating part is that an inform Clichy translates to horrible Kolarov and an inform Kolarov translates to horrible Clichy.
Cant help but feel all Sagna’s performances are compared with Zaba, he has defended well and has a great cross but he hasn’t shown that here yet.
Navas was probably our best player out of the players that started yesterday and definitely grafted. Finally there is little defending AK’s performance, it really was as bad as described.
Very true about a.k – I’m a big fan of his but he was shocking, where was he for the goal?? Sanga was poor for that as well. Clichy is miles ahead of Alex at the moment I never thought that I’d be saying that. Very very poor all over the park. Milner was never a 6 – navas is becoming a very hard working & consistent player for us, he has played a Huge amount of games this season, I don’t think he gets any were near the credit he’s due. His tackle in the second half when he made 70 yards was just sensational in my eyes. Ii remember that for a few years, he’s one of ours – I think he must be chatting alot to zaba. I read it somewhere at the weekend that city pass the ball to much to his feet instead of allowing him to run onto passes with his pace. He gave Munich nightmares. I think there might be something to that. Anyway have a nice week all – blue moon .
Sagna very poor in this game but perhaps got off lightly due to the inefficiencies of Kolarov. After I wrote the last ratings I thought he would improve but he was even worse….didnt see what happened with the fans though?
Thought Fernando had a good game, characterised by his second half display and the fine last ditch tackle but Navas man of the match for me for once….good game, albeit against a lesser opponent.
Nasri and Silva much needed like you say. Glad they got 65 mins off though.