Player ratings: Fulham v Manchester City
Given – Another quiet game for Shay as Fulham struggled to find a way through. 6
Zabaleta – Managed to play the whole game in just the one position. Did ok defensively, particularly after Duff switched to the opposing flank. 6
Garrido – Considering he hasn’t played for a while and only started due to Lescott injuring himself in the warm-up, this was a decent performance. Still wasn’t tight enough at the back and will need to defend better against Everton. Noticeable how he looked to get beyond Bellamy when we attacked – a sign of Mancini’s new emphasis on going for goals. 6
Toure – Justified his recall with a vital goal-line clearance that our other centre-halves would have struggled to make. Kolo is at his best against footballing sides and this was an opportunity for him to quieten a few doubters. 7
Kompany – With Lescott missing, big Vince provided the physical strength at the back. His ability to play either left or right centre-back equally well is a real bonus. 7
Vieira – Another who justified his recall. Patrick’s intelligent distribution proved useful, even if his ability to truly dominate is on the wane. Let’s hope there’s plenty left in the tank for Wednesday as Everton are liable to be quicker than Danny Murphy. 7
Barry – Gareth’s reaction suggested the penalty decision was wrong – he shouldn’t have needed to handle the ball. Otherwise it was a steady rather than spectacular performance. 6
A Johnson – Once again showed great control and came closer than anyone to adding a third when he hit the post. 7
Bellamy – Managed to set up both goals, even if the first was a deflected shot. Bellers was as dangerous as ever on the break, but should have been more clinical. One chance in particular, when clean through, was wasted with a rushed first time shot. 7
Santa Cruz – Still doesn’t impose himself on the game sufficiently. At least he scored one and came close to bagging a second. His link up play was again his greatest strength, and it’s to be hoped he’s fit for the Everton game. 7
Tevez – Busy and dangerous. The second goal was his finest moment. Amazing to think we were worried about his poor finishing early in the season. The others could now take lessons from Carlos in how to convert chances. 8
Subs:
De Jong – His surprising omission from the starting eleven was followed by the even more surprising sight of Nigel sprinting into the opposition penalty area to finish off a break. Sadly the tame finish failed to supply his first goal for the club. 6
Wright-Phillips – The second substitute to fluff a chance to put the game to bed. Shaun needs to do more if he’s to displace Johnson. 5
Onuoha – Brought on to waste a few seconds.
Man of the match: Carlos Tevez.