MAN CITY 5 – 0 Newcastle – PLAYER RATINGS
22 Feb
Hart - One bright reaction save in the second half from Cisse’s deflected volley meant he recorded a first clean in eleven games - 6
Zabaleta - Attacked with energy and intelligence, knowing when to provide an overlapping option and when to just sit back and maintain balance. Will be nervously awaiting Pellegrini’s selected for Tuesday - 7
Kompany - Comfortable afternoon for him as City dominated and Newcastle barely threatened. When they did, however, he looked sharp and determined to snuff out any danger - 6
Mangala - Easy enough for the most part and he was able to relax and watch his teammates cause havoc further forward. Close call between him and Demichelis against Barcelona - 6
Kolarov - Sissoko troubled him on occasions at that back and for all his willing and width on the left, his delivery into the box was not quite up to standard - 6
Fernandinho - Just the type of controlled midfield display that was the norm last season. Covered plenty of ground, picked up any loose ball and formed part of our attacks with his silky touch and awareness - 7
Y. Touré - Back with a bang. The rhythm was there, dictating the central areas and deciding at what tempo City would play. His interchange with the likes of Silva, Nasri and Fernandinho was sublime - 9
Nasri - For all the talk of missing Yaya whilst he was at the African Cup of Nations, Nasri’s injury was just as big a blow. When he’s in the mood, as he was yesterday, he provides so many options, dovetails perfectly with Silva and pushes us forward constantly - 8
Silva - One of those games when you just don’t have the words to describe how good he was. Our other attackers deserve bundles of praise, but Silva was the pick – as he so often is. His assist for Dzeko’s goal was majestic, his own strike taken with great skill and composure, and he was even afforded a rest before Tuesday - 9
Aguero - Back to somewhere approaching his best. The sharpness was there, the ability to drift past defenders and outrun them over short distances thankfully present. It’s likely he’ll be on his own up front against Barcelona, but he looks lively again after injury - 8
Džeko - Arguably one of his best performances in a City shirt. Took his goal superbly, but more than that, it was his pressing and link up play that were so impressive. Closed defenders down, worked the channels and showed a good enough touch to contribute to our build up play - 8
Subs
Navas - Slotted in comfortably enough on the right, delivering a couple of dangerous crosses - 6
Bony - Perhaps trying too hard to make an impression. Should have scored from his one chance - 6
Lampard - Limited opportunity to make an impression - 6
Good to see Dzeko back to his best; when he plays like this he is as good as any striker in the PL. Unfortunately it has been the best part of a year since we have seen a 90 minute performance from him or a sustained run of games at this level. if he goes on a run now he will contribute hugely to our chances of retaining the PL Trophy.
Silva sublime.
Yaya outstanding
The defensive unit better but still not delivering the level of security that the sum of those individuals should deliver.
Pellers might be tempted to go 442 after that all round show but it would be a mistake IMO. Barca have patchy form at the moment but they are certainly not as poor as the Toons. There is no Yaya for the 1st Leg, after that stupid red card, and this will be a big blow but hopefully James Milner will be fit, Kun Aguero is looking close to his best and if Nas and Merlin produce their best form all things are posible.
Here’s hoping for the best!
Alph
Very nice to see Edin show a bit of interest, He’s a different man when he’s in that mood, that’s what a 28 mill striker on the bench does for you. I’d be concerned about the back six. I wouldn’t be happy how easy it is to open us up in the middle. Silva is magnificent-citys greatest bar none. This week will decide everything’ there’s a very good article by Dion fanning in the irish indo that’s worth a look… Best of luck to the boys on a massive week…. Onwards & upwards lads.
If City is to have any chance of retaining the title, they have to keep same level of playing against opponents till the end of season. One great game, I take it anytime, the question is if they can maintain the run? We will , for sure, find out next week against Liverpool.