FA Cup player ratings: Manchester City v Stoke City

Given – Mancini may have exonerated him for staying on his line for the Stoke goal, but it was still a poor clearance that gave Delap the opportunity to hurl the ball in. 6

Zabaleta – Some wayward distribution let the Argentinian down, despite some strong tackles that had Fuller complaining. 6

Toure – The high balls and physical test make Stoke difficult opponents for Kolo. The captain will need to be more assertive at the Britannia Stadium. Kompany would be a better option. 6

Lescott – Looked to be feeling his way back from injury as Fuller turned him to easily. However he dealt well with the high balls, which was essential given Toure as a partner. 7

Bridge – The man whom all media eyes are on. He didn’t disappointment, particularly in the first half when he carried the ball forward well and made a telling defensive block. Appeared to tire a little in the second. 8

Wright-Phillips – Having watched Johnson steal the headlines in the previous game, this was a big match for Shaun and he delivered. His pace was to much for Stoke and his passing was up to standard. In front of the watching Capello he certainly did better than Ryan Shawcross who managed a bizzarre assist for our goal. 8

Ireland – His presence gave the midfield a much better balance, even if he didn’t dominate the game. There were some decent touches and he managed to set Shaun on his way for the goal. 7

Barry – A big improvement on recent performances. Was it the watching Capello, or the prospect of winning some silverware that got him moving? Either way it was a relief to see him putting in a good shift and the passing was better to. 7

De Jong – Did ok without ever dominating as Stoke sought to bypass the Dutchman. His presence will be required more in the upcoming trips to the Britannia. 6

Petrov – One of those frustrating days where everything he tries fails to come off. It proved costly as some of the sharp shooting he produced in the previous round could have given us a crucial second goal. 5

Adebayor – Continuing to look a little more energetic under Mancini. He didn’t win enough as a target man against Huth and co, but was often left isolated when the score was 1-0. 6

Subs:

Vieira – Showed some touches of real quality, even if he does look to be feeling his way back into the English game. 6

Santa Cruz – Maybe Mancini was showing his sense of humour by bringing on a second target man and launching balls at Stoke. It nearly worked! Roque did ok on his brief run-out. He now needs to stay fit, as he’s a more natural target man than Adebayor. 6

Man of the match: Shaun Wright-Phillips

FA Cup preview: Manchester City v Stoke City
FA Cup verdict: Manchester City 1 Stoke City 1

Comments

  1. surely the last we going to see of petrov. the guy was abysmal yesterday. plays balls behind people so he can continue for a return, ignored glorious opportunities to put a few players clean through yesterday, and another lazy performance. shame young vladi gone out on loan cos we could av done with that spark in the last half hour. at least johnson is back for midweek. him, kompany and vieira back in for toure, ireland and petrov. richards in for zab if fit.

  2. Yesnik – you’re so right about Petrov. Blue Days – thanks for reminding me about the positives on the players. It’s too easy to just remember the – undoubted – negatives.

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