Burnley 1 – 0 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
14 Mar
Hart - It’s hard to remember him actually having anything of note to do, other than pick Boyd’s sumptuous effort out of the net - 6
Zabaleta - In a game where we needed his attacking thrust and constant overlaps, he provided a negligible amount going forward. Found almost no space or time on the right, yet the only time he did break through he should have been awarded a penalty - 5
Kompany - Much better than in recent weeks, he made a few key interceptions and was generally strong in the air. Once we went behind, however, he started to panic in possession and hoofed aimless balls upfield - 6
Demichelis - One of his vulnerable matches when he struggles physically and looks a yard off the pace - 5
Clichy - Failed to offer much danger with his crossing into the box and for someone normally bursting with energy and dynamism, he looked strangely lifeless - 5
Fernandinho - Probably the brightest figure in the first half, dancing through challenges in midfield and showing a neat touch on the ball. Faded after the break, though, and saw Burnley’s enthusiasm crowd him out - 6
Y. Touré - Cruised through the game without exerting himself. That’s fine when you’re 3-0 up and looking to conserve energy, but when your side is desperate for a goal, it’s maddening to see such an influential figure look as if he’d rather be anywhere else - 5
Navas - Again, as is so often the case with Navas, he flattered to deceive. Finds himself directly against the opposition fullback on so many occasions and invariably wins a corner after smashing a cross into the defender’s legs. Some may think that’s good. The reality is he should be doing far better - 5
Silva - Gifted a glorious chance when Aguero played him through in the second half, but his touch surprisingly let him down. This was far from his finest performance, but there was still the odd creative touch and flick - 6
Aguero - Greedy on occasions when he neglected the chance to pass in favour of a mazy, and ultimately fruitless, run, but he was still the most likely to drag us back into the game. Didn’t have his finishing boots on, yet never stopped trying and looking to make something happen - 6
Džeko - It was a surprise to see him start, but no surprise to see him taken off. Contributed very little on another one of those Dzeko days when he carries the air of disgruntlement and the touch of an elephant - 4
Subs
Bony - A clear physical presence, but not yet attuned to City’s attacks - 6
Jovetic - Added almost nothing - 6
Lampard - No chance to rescue us - No time to mark
Pathetic pathetic result I am ashamed to say that I was actually bored with the performance today City played with patience, and the possession, but no passion, urgency, or belief very Sad performance so disappointed……
As with most people, scared to death to be truthful about how poor Toure is, he was the worst player on the pitch by a mile today, cruised through the game makes it sound like he did something when he contributed absolutely nothing to the game, he has been poor all season and it’s there for anyone who doesn’t follow the crowd to see.
As for Navas, I am tired of people slating him, there is some kind of assumption that because he is quick he should be taking every player on at every opportunity, you failed to mention the good balls that he put in the box today to and all the defending he does every single week, based on your write up of Toure, Navas should be getting a 10 for even getting near a player, smash it off their legs and win a corner, there’s 3 things Toure didn’t manage to do right there.
I was at the game and Fernandinho didn’t fade, he never stopped working and was our best player.
I wish there was a rating for pellegrini because he is so naive it’s untrue.
Navas gets quite a few corners in games, however; it seems our manager does not have a clear strategy to prepare our team for set pieces. I do not even know even when it was the last time we scored a corner (if any this season).
Gaga – love the name buddy
wingers are an easy target – navas is much better in my opinion ( which we are allowed to have) than he gets credit for.. OK it doesn’t always work out well for him but you will get a couple of quality ball from him every game + he works very hard for the team. Have a look if you can for his ball to Sergio at the gunners… The weight of pass is glorious – it must be viewed in slo mo for a fuller appreciation of this ” headless chicken” then get back to me….zaba put one on a plate for the top dog & it didn’t happen. I’m not looking forward to work on Monday… I won’t cry – give “them” noth…am I right in stating that sven last game was 8 – 0 at boro??????? Now that one nearly gave me hemroids. (Just like fergie)
Problem is that there isn’t many opinions flying about from city fans because there is to many sheep, one person on the other side of the Etihad could slag let’s say Aguero off for missing a chance after already scoring a hat trick and a couple of minutes after the sheep have followed it has made its way round to where I sit, sounds exaggerated but that’s what it’s like.
Same with this Toure thing, why are people frightened to say that he is terrible when he plays terribly, like today.
Not sure people find it hard to slate Toure, you are right though, there are many sheep football fans who repeat stuff, especially from what they hear on the radio or tv. The funny thing is they then try and apply it to game they are watching at the stadium (attempting some shrude analysis of a moment that has just occured) but they say what they originally heard on the tv or radio at an inappropriate time, therefore showing they either didnt understand the original punditry or they didnt understand what they just saw.
The team looks a spent force. A downright dreadful performance from start to finish. No energy, no passion and lacking any sort of fight. Toure, Silva and Aguero were all dreadful yesterday and I didn’t see anything better from Aguero than I did from Dzeko. The team is horribly out of form and Pellegrini looks totally devoid of spirit and ideas himself. Rather than waiting for something to happen to put it right he needs to seriously re-think his tactics and personnel choices and start taking some risks. This cannot carry on.
Truly appalling performance -Yaya and Dzeko disgraceful . As I’ve been saying since mid Jan we will be lucky to get into CL .Hate to say it because we need stability but Pellegrini has lost the plot – just one example was bringing in Lampard to cover for Yaya when he was away and then only playing him for about 32 mins !
Welcolme to my club Gaga…I’ve been saying for a season and a half that Toure isn’t worth his place and Im sorry to say I don’t understand why. With his ability and physique he should dominate midfield every time he plays. If only he could be instilled with James Milner’s attitude he would be the world beater that he thinks he is. The team is ageing as we all know and there are several now who are simply not good enough, never mind taking us to the next level, but several who are not good enough for a top four team, A clear out is vital this summer, starting with the manager.
Hmmmmmm