Player ratings: Blackburn Rovers v Manchester City
Hart – Showed great judgement and handling in dealing with Blackburn’s aerial bombardment. Distribution was another story. 7
Zabaleta – A busy evening, initially surging forward, then keeping track of the energetic Olsen as Rovers sought to hit the channels. 7
Kompany – Another commanding performance when we needed it. Needs to be careful when sticking a leg out against tumblers like Jason Roberts mind. 7
Lescott – When Blackburn reverted to Allardyce style aerial bombardment, it was good to have Joleon back there. Solid if unspectacular once again. 7
Kolarov – Fitted in well with our slick passing start to the game. Struggled in the second half and it was a relief that Blackburn focussed the majority of their attacks on the opposite flank. 6
De Jong – Dominated the opening period when it looked like Blackburn would never get past him. Less influential once they bypassed the central area with balls down the channels and over the top. 7
Barry – Pulled the ball back for Silva in the build-up to the goal, but otherwise this was another anonymous showing in the second half. Needs to show more in this kind of game. 6
Silva (Boyata, 90) – Unlucky to see his shot hit the post in the third minute. Led Rovers a merry dance whenever he was on the ball with sumptuous skills. 8
Y Toure – Started the game taking up positions where he was always available, linking up with team-mates. Ended the game chasing long out-balls from our defenders. 6
A Johnson (Dzeko, 72) – Started brightly but wasn’t able to retain his influence despite switching wings. Adam was shaking his head when leaving the pitch, though Mancini’s decision to bring on Dzeko was quickly vindicated. 6
Balotelli (Vieira, 84) – The amount of possession we enjoyed in the opening period shouldn’t disguise the fact that Mario rarely received any decent service. In the second half it got worse, but at least he’s looking happier in the side. 6
Subs:
Dzeko – It may have taken a while but when it arrived, Edin’s first Premier League goal was perfectly timed. It has to be said that after that his hold up play was poor once again. 6
Vieira – Brought on to help close the game out as Blackburn started to pump high balls into the box. 6
Boyata – Also made an appearance to help clear high balls in added time.
Man of the match: David Silva.