MAN CITY 1 – 0 Man Utd – PLAYER RATINGS

Hart - Magnificent. His save to deny Berbatov kept us in the game when all expected the net to bulge. Stop to keep out Nani’s freekick was just as good. We needed him to have a good game, and boy did he produce - 9

Zabaleta - First game back after weeks out and initially looked rusty. Nani caused him a few problems but he soon found his tackling range. Outstanding in second half – few players could have carried on after being victim to that Scholes ‘tackle’ - 8

Kompany - Just continued what he’s done for us throughout the year. I saw it nearly every game, but he was a rock at the back, winning headers, tackles and everything that came in his way. And it was nice to see him as the captain – it should be permanently given to him - 9

Lescott - Started nervously but grew into the game quickly. Covered well when Kolarov went forward and handled Berbatov and then Hernandez with relative ease - 7.5

Kolarov - Identified by every City fan as the weak link before the match, thankfully he had one of his better showings. Started very poorly, gifting possession away time after time, but like Lescott, began to impose himself. Offered us a good attacking option down the left, but he did his main job, which was to keep Valencia quiet - 7.5

De Jong - Typical NDJ. The heartbeat of the side, someone who we should build team around. Was an absolute Trojan in midfield, winning the ball and keeping it on so many occasions. I’m pleased for him that we won – he deserved it - 9

Barry - Worked his socks off in the centre of the park, showing bite in the tackles and offering us a calm, experienced head. I’ve criticised him in the past and don’t think he’s good enough for the future, but he was fantastic on Saturday. Remember, it was him charging down Van Der Sar that lead to the goal - 8

Y. Touré - Great to see a player I’ve always rated score! Brilliant. No other way to describe him. Worked as hard as we’ve ever seen, linked up really well with Balotelli and the large Wembley pitch gave him more space to go on his runs. But it’s games like this which make Yaya so frustrating. He’s got the talent, but why can he only produce it a handful of times a season - 9

A. Johnson - Started brightly enough but faded very quickly. Tracked back well and did a job of keeping Evra quiet, but offered little going forward. The theory still remains that he’s an impact sub, not a consistent starter - 6

Silva - Magical. I don’t need to keep repeating this, but he makes us play. Gets the ball down, creates angles, keeps possession and looks threatening. A joy to watch - 8

Balotelli - Mario Balotelli. A pure entertainer. Thought he was fantastic on Saturday, really enjoyed the responsibility of being the lone striker. The weight of his passing was perfect for his teammates, as was the timing – he didn’t keep the ball too long, releasing it at the right moment. Worked the channels, stretching Vidic and Ferdinand and put himself about. One sizzling shot, one cheeky wink and one very happy Balotelli - 8

Subs

SWP - If only he could cross a ball! Not on for long but caused Evra problems - 7

Vieira - Think Mancini would have been slated for taking off Silva had it gone to extra-time, but Vieira did his job of shoring up the midfield - No time to mark