Player ratings: Aston Villa v City
Given – Needed to be on his toes from the off when a Agbonlahor flick nearly sneaked in. Otherwise the Irishman had surprisingly little to do. 6
Zabaleta – Did an excellent job in keeping Ashley Young quiet. The recalled Argentine international was decent in possession without really threatening the Villa defence. 7
Toure – Some great forays forward, and kept a close eye on the dangerous Agbonlahor. Richard Dunne may have got the plaudits, but Toure is a different kind of defender and had an excellent game in his own right. 8
Lescott – The new big man at the back had a decent game and kept Carew quiet. He was allocated to mark Dunne at set-pieces only when it was to late. 7
Bridge – He seems to making up for all that time sat on the bench at Chelsea with the amount of energy expended. Up and down the flank all night long. 8
De Jong – A decent first half where he couldn’t argue with a booking for one bone-crunching challenge on Ashley Young. 7
Barry – Kept his head when many in the stands were losing theirs. His lack of spring meant he should not have been allocated Dunne to mark at set-pieces. A lesson for the management there. 6
Wright-Phillips – A better first half than we’ve seen recently, but faded in the second as the final ball once again disappeared. 6
Tevez – Some good touches and plenty of industry. Still the feeling he’s yet to hit top form, particularly with the long range shooting! 7
Bellamy – In an exhausting match, the Welshman just got stronger as it went on. Incredible. Took his goal excellently and was a constant danger. 8
Adebayor – Held the ball up well and provided some excellent lay-offs. Didn’t quite manage his usual goal, but still had an assist to his name. 7
Subs:
Ireland – A beautifully weighted pass to Adebayor in the build-up to the equaliser was the high point. Elsewhere, there were some nice touches though the killer pass eluded him on a few occasions. 7
Santa Cruz – Off the pace for this match. After a couple of misplaced passes, it was tempting to bring Tevez back on. 4
Man of the match: Craig Bellamy – his hot run of form just goes on and on.