View From A Blue

Hart - One slightly fortuitous stop to deny Podolski in the second half but despite the home side’s improved efforts after the break, they posed a relatively minimal threat to Hart’s goal. His punching and command of his six-yard box was authoritative - 7 Zabaleta - Plenty of energy, as is always the case, whether in driving eagerly into [...]

Hart - One important reflex stop to deny Welbeck in the second half and his punching under pressure was generally excellent, but such was the home side’s lack of threat, he was able to stand back and watch as we sauntered to the three points - 7 Zabaleta - Assaulted by Fellaini and his elbow, but it’ll take more than that [...]

Hart - Despite being reduced to ten men so early in the game, we were never put under spells of pressure by the home side and as a result, the only saves Hart had to make were relatively comfortable stops from headers. He did well not to bring Boyd down in the second half but his overly [...]

Hart - It was always likely he would be forced into a series of saves as the game wore on and we became more fatigued, but he dealt with Barcelona’s endeavours impressively. Displayed his shot-stopping ability repeatedly and although a couple of his early kicks were ill-directed, he is now back to somewhere close to his best - 8 Zabaleta - On a booking, a [...]

So much for the notion of revenge. After last year’s deflating loss in the FA Cup final against Wigan, it was thought City would be motivated in their search for vengeance this time around, but instead of passion and a will to cast aside abject memories, the Blues’ performance was lifeless and drained of desire until [...]