MAN CITY 3 – 0 Stoke – PLAYER RATINGS
18 May
Hart - A bystander. Stoke’s attacking threat was so limited that he had all the time in the world to perfect his Poznan. Distribution better - 6
Richards - Another strong performance down the right. Energetic going forward and offered us a genuine attacking outlet. Dived to win the free-kick for the second goal though - 7
Kompany - As commanding as he needed to be. Not his toughest game of the season, but kept his concentration - 7
Lescott – Mightily impressive yet again from Joleon. Now he’s had a consistent run of games in the side, he’s really starting to show how good a player he is. Reads the game well, very strong in the air and good to see him get on the scoresheet - 8
Zabaleta - Despite it being his less favoured position, always does a solid job at left-back. Not as attacking as Kolarov, though he still got forward, but far more reliable at the back. Permanently in the wars! - 7
Milner - A fantastic performance in the centre of the park. Bundles of energy and drive, linked up well with the strikers. Will be a good battle with Barry next year to see who partners De Jong - 8.5
De Jong - Not as influential as he was in the final, but didn’t have to be. Won the free-kick for Tévez’s second goal and kept play ticking over nicely - 7.5
Y. Touré - One of his best performances for City. Far more involved throughout the game than he was at Wembley on Saturday. Linked well with Tévez, Johnson, Milner and Silva - 8
A. Johnson - Still not consistent for 90 minutes, but one of his better recent showings. Lovely ball for Lescott’s goal and his movement was good - 7
Silva - Yet to find his shooting boots, but still our most creative player. Dropped deep to receive the ball and kept us playing attractive football. Was a doubt for the game, so wisely taken off when we established a two goal cushion - 7
Tévez - Showed again just how important he is to the team. Makes something happen out of nothing and both his goals were spectacular. Although we’ve shown we can cope without him, we’re a better side with him in it - 8.5
Subs
Dzeko - Couple of bright moments and should have scored - 7
SWP - Nice touch from Mancini to let SWP say bye to his adoring fans. Looked very eager to get on the scoresheet, possibly too much as he was greedy in possession. Thanks for your time at the club, Shaun - 6
Boyata - He’s racking up these last minute substitute appearance! - No time to mark
One disagreement.
Richards: A dive doesn’t nearly describe it. A forward triple somersault with 6 and a half twists in the pike position with a difficulty of 3.4 comes close.
I could n’t agree more with ratings esp Lescott who has upped his game in recent game. Great performance!
Finally Lescott getting the right recognition for his recent heroics. And perhaps i am being very very naive here but with RIchards, Boyata, Boateng, kolorov and indeed Cunningham we do not need to buy any more wing backs.
I think we only need a solid left back. Kolarov has been less convincing though he has improved for past two or three games. Reports are suggesting City is planning to make a move Baines. And some point to Clichy [as he has not renewed his contract]. This all can end up as hearsay with no truth in them. Mind you, I personally prefer Clichy over Baines.
now i am very critical of lescott but credit were its due he had a great game still dont think hes good enough for the champions league a good team in europe would have a field day playing wiv such a dopey defender and the amount of times he throws away possesion is still shocking but im not really concerned wen he plays big players its the smaller players that make me nervous so hes yet 2 win me over could have easily cost us the fa cup on saturday so lets not get to disillusional on him