FA Cup player ratings: Manchester City v Reading

Hart – Excellent protection ensured only one routine save was required. Provided some well-directed distribution to Yaya’s head. 6

Richards – Focused on keeping the dangerous looking McAnuff quiet in the first half. Micah scoring with a header from a corner has been coming for a while now, and this was the perfect time. 7

Kompany – Another useful workout where he looked back to full fitness. Showed good control and passing throughout. 7

Lescott – Appeared to spend as much time covering for Kolarov as he did defending the central areas. Another solid performance aside from the moment where he allowed an opponent to run through. 7

Kolarov – Laboured once again. Delivery from set pieces still not consistent enough. In mitigation for his defensive troubles, there was precious little cover in front of him as Silva wandered freely. 5

Vieira (Balotelli 69 mins) – After the excellent showing against Wigan this was a disappointment. There were some trademark sharp passes but too often Patrick was off the pace as Reading closed him down. 6

De Jong (Barry 82 mins) – Like having a whole midfield back. Reading didn’t get any joy playing through the central area and that was down to Nigel’s display of tackling. Also kept us ticking over with more completed passes than anyone else. 8

Y Toure – After playing in Kiev it was no surprise to see Yaya in and out of this game. When he was involved Reading had no answer to his strength and skill. 6

Wright-Phillips (Boyata mins 90) – The first half saw the good Shaun, causing problems with his pace, touch and movement. The second half brought the bad Shaun with little end product. His selection was justified thanks to the work-rate which helped refresh the side. 6

Silva – May have been a little tired but was still the fulcrum for our attacking play. One touch in the first half to lift the ball over an onrushing defender was reminiscent of Messi scoring against Arsenal last week. 7

Tevez – Plenty of endeavour and desire to get the result. Unfortunately this was one of those games where the captain’s shooting was awry. Hopefully the end product will be there for the Chelsea game – one of his favourite sides. 6

Subs:

Balotelli – A few touches of quality, a few careless ones. At least he didn’t get booked. Chased down a defender to win the corner from which we scored – Bellamy and Dickov would have been proud. 6

Barry – Brought on to close the game out, which we did without too much discomfort. Great for him to get a much needed rest. 6

Boyata – Barely had time to get a touch.

Man of the match: Nigel de Jong.