Player ratings: Blackburn Rovers 0 City 2

Given – Stunning save from a Samba header in the first half. Had to be at the top of his game to keep a clean sheet. 9

Richards – His physical presence justified his selection. Showed good concentration and application. 8

Dunne – Who needs Lescott? The kind of physical game that suits him down to the ground. 8

Toure – A stern test on his debut. Came through with flying colours. 8

Bridge – Looking fitter and stronger than last season. Great to have a full-back who’s happy running with the ball. 8

Wright-Phillips – Off to a flier, turning inside Warnock and setting up the first goal.  From then on worked intelligently for the cause. 7

Ireland – The high balls from Blackburn were bypassing him, but his own passing was excellent. Capped off a decent performance with supremely cool goal. 8

Barry – Excellent debut, using all his experience to shield the defence and keep possession. 8

Robinho – Struggled to get into the game, but looked dangerous when he did. 6

Adebayor – Stunning opening goal, followed up with a hard working performance and lots of good touches. 8

Bellamy – His movement and work for the team made him a constant menace to the Blackburn back line. 8

Subs:

Tevez – Great to see the Argentine, but he needs another week of training to get on the same wavelength as his new teammates. 6

Not used: Taylor, Onuoha, Zabaleta, Petrov, De Jong, Weiss.

Man of the match: Given.