Player ratings: Blackpool v Manchester City

Hart – Looked to enjoy his return to an old stomping ground, seeing more action than our manager might have wanted. Joe displayed sound handling and distribution was more accurate than of late. 7

Boateng (Richards 76) – Still not stopping any crosses as he stands off opponents. Only glimpses of his range of passing. Should improve with more games, but at the moment Jerome is no better than Richards. 6

Bridge – Another full-back returning from injury and it showed, particularly as he tired in the second half. At least Wayne looked to support his winger and produced a great driving run which led to our immediately regaining the lead. 6

Kompany – Once again the captain at the back. Led by example, covering the full-backs and demonstrating the skill of getting tight and making tackles. 7

Lescott – Must have been delighted to get an outing at centre-back! Joleon was solid throughout as the centre of our defence was kept busier than expected. 7

De Jong – Our midfield pitbull was muzzled after the controversy following the Ben Arfa tackle. We’ll need him back to his best against Arsenal. 6

Barry – After a stodgy England performance, Gareth responded with an industrious showing. We needed one due to the absence of Yaya and the reduced impact of de Jong. Roaming the pitch and displaying neat passing, Gareth was our best midfielder until the arrival of Silva. 7

A Johnson (Vieira 85) – Managed to get in a trademark shot early on, but was never a consistent threat to Blackpool. Seemed to spend to much time having to track back and not enough taking the game to the opposition. 6

Milner – Needs to up his quality to match the workrate. Lost possession far to often and didn’t offer enough of a threat, aside from a shot that struck the bar. Made a case for giving Wright-Phillips a run out. 6

Tevez – Showed a captain’s endeavour in the first-half and then came into his own once asked to play as a lone striker. The first goal was an exquisite touch while the second demonstrated impeccable timing. 8

Adebayor (Silva 65) – It just doesn’t happen for Ade. The 4-4-2 formation saw the forwards starved of decent service and when he did get the ball, little came off. Still needs to work on staying onside. Looking disbelievingly at a flagging official isn’t enough for a player of his standing. 6

Subs:

Silva – His most devastating performance so far, with an end product to match his skills. Wasted no time getting involved with three touches in the creation of the first goal. The third was sublime as he weaved through defenders before placing his shot, like a Spanish World Cup winner – which he is. 8

Richards – Came on for a fading Boateng and gave us a bit more strength and energy down the right. It was good to see him back as Jerome’s lack of tackling was a concern. 7

Vieira – Brought on to close the game out and showed some decent touches, even if Blackpool did score a second goal. 7

Man of the match: Carlos Tevez. Against Newcastle Adam Johnson came off the bench to win man of the match and David Silva had a case for the award here. However Carlos was a menace throughout and bagged two all important goals.