Player ratings: Manchester City v Everton

Given – Typified the frustration with a sprint into the opposition half to remonstrate with the referee. Unfortunately Shay had little chance with the goals and was otherwise rarely employed. 6

Richards – Good to see him sharper in the tackle after being rested on Sunday. Did his best to take the game to Everton in the first half and was unlucky to be taken off. 7

Kompany – Put in some excellent challenges, often coming out with the ball. Allowing Rodwell to get the better of him for the second goal was a low point. 6

Toure – Changing his boots at half-time was 45 minutes to late! Fortunate not to have cost us a goal with several first-half slips. Kolo tried to effect change with some eye-catching runs into enemy territory which, sadly, lacked an end product. 6

Zabaleta – Solid enough defensively in both full-back positions, but wasn’t able to offer the attacking support we needed to break down Everton. 6

A Johnson – Whipped in a couple of dangerous crosses and looked to have the beating of Baines before switching wings. Disappointing to see him go off as he looked the player most likely to unlock Everton. 7

De Jong – Did well enough in wrestling the advantage back from the Everton midfield, but wasn’t able to push on when we needed to in the second-half. 6

Barry – With hindsight Gareth should have fouled Cahill at the first opportunity, rather than allowing him to buy a free-kick in a more dangerous position for the first goal. Was switched to left-back following Vieira’s introduction, but he no longer has the positional awareness for the defensive side of the game. 6

Bellamy – Strove as hard as anyone to make the breakthrough. His frustration was tangible early on, and Neville didn’t help matters. Spent the mid part of the game up front alongside Tevez, but wasn’t able to find space or service. 6

Tevez – Gave it everything, particularly in the first-half. Came closest to scoring when played in by Ireland but the ball just quickened off the wet turf to prevent a better connection. 7

Ireland – Started slowly before hitting his stride as we enjoyed our best spell. The cynical reducer from Heitinga ended his involvement and was worthy of greater condemnation than any managerial spat on the touchline. 7

Subs:

Wright-Phillips – Robinho had his “subbed sub” humiliation in our last game against Everton, and Wright-Phillips was fortunate not to suffer the same fate when Johnson was the winger to make way for Santa Cruz. Shaun failed to get the better of Baines. 5

Santa Cruz – Won a few balls in the air, but the lay-offs all went backwards when we needed to go forwards. Not able to bring anything of note to the attack. 5

Vieira – Did ok without turning the game sufficiently for clear openings to be created. At least Patrick played forward passes and didn’t give the ball away. 6

Man of the match: Carlos Tevez