Sporting Lisbon 1 – 0 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS

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Hart - Far busier than he has been in recent matches and although he made a couple of important stops, I feel he could have done better for the goal. Has a tendency to parry the ball straight out instead of to the side and that cost us - 6.5

Clichy - Operated in an unfamiliar rightback role and looked uncomfortable on occasions. Rarely managed to provide an attacking option and looked less certain than normal in defensive positions. Nothing overly concerning but he’s far better on the left without doubt - 6

K. Touré - Handed a start with Lescott rested and he looked a touch unsure of himself early on. Hesitant in possession in the opening exchanges but grew in confidence and produced a solid enough display. Will get a run in the side during Kompany’s absence - 6

Kompany - Trudged off after only a handful of minutes with a calf strain. It must be hoped that his injury is not serious and that our inspirational captain can return as soon as possible - No mark

Kolarov - Offered a promising option down our left, putting over a couple of dangerous crosses, but defensively, as per usual, he was all at sea. Late into tackles, reluctant to track back and gifted his opponents far too much space - 6

Milner - Situated out wide but given licence to roam, he wasn’t at his best and failed to influence proceedings. Tried hard as always but his impact was limited - 6

De Jong - Struggled throughout to gain a foothold of the midfield and when in possession, he was far too lethargic and lacking in intent. Failed to provide our defence with enough protection - 5.5

Barry - Very similar to De Jong, he found it tough to impose himself on the midfield battle. Attempted to advance as much as possible, narrowly bending one shot wide, but he looked leggy and was unable to spark us into action - 5.5

Silva - Our most creative threat but even he fizzled out very early. His movement in the first half was superb but not matched by those around him, and he faded in the second period - 6.5

Aguero - One of his poorest games in a City shirt. Nothing he tried seemed to come off and he grew visible more frustrated as the match wore on. His touch was off throughout and although he went close late on, he will have to up his game for the trip to Swansea - 5

Džeko - Offered very little and looked utterly bereft of confidence. His first touch was heavy, his passing woefully wayward and his workrate was extremely poor - 5

Subs

Lescott - Surprisingly rested but was called into action very early on and was competent enough. Defended relatively well but he wasn’t able to inspire the rest of the team. In Kompany’s absence, he will have to adopt more responsibility - 6

Nasri - Brought on in an attempt to retain possession better but his impact was marginal. Took too many touches, as is his wont, thus slowing down our attacks - 5.5

Balotelli - The one bright spark from the game. Livened the team with a sparkling cameo, showing intent when on the ball and going ever so close with a superb header. Will surely start against Swansea - 7

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