Player ratings: Everton v Manchester City

Hart – Will have been disappointed to see Distin’s header creep past his hands and into the net. Judgement in when to come out for the aerial onslaught was sound. 6

Zabaleta (Balotelli 81 mins) – Once again gave everything to the cause before coming off injured. It’s to be hoped he’s fit for Spurs and the Cup Final. 7

Kompany – Excellent in the first half, increasingly flustered in the second. A needless booking could have been compounded by a second for a foul in the last minute. And as for being beaten in the air by Osman… 6

Lescott – No doubt which City player wanted to win the most. Joleon showed his character by applauding all sides of the ground at the end. And he played well. 8

Kolarov – Frustratingly one paced in his actions throughout. Not his worst game but we still need to see greater sharpness. 6

De Jong (Jo 89 mins) – On the receiving end of a few dubious challenges, which he took well. Had too much to do in the second half when Vieira faded. 6

Vieira (Johnson 77 mins) – Aside from the glaring miss, there was a decent first half where he used his experience to move the ball well. Hasn’t the legs for 90 minutes and needed to be taken off as soon as Everton upped the tempo. 6

Silva – A class above everyone else on the pitch. Had one assist, it would have been at least three if others had taken the chances. 8

Milner – Offered greater industry and involvement in the game than that offered by Johnson. Just lacks that bit of magic when played on the flank, but nullified the threat from Baines. 6

Y Toure – Scored one excellent goal but could and perhaps should have had a hat-trick. Disappeared later on when we needed to regain control of the midfield. 6

Dzeko – Stood up better than expected to Everton’s physical treatment. Won headers and linked play up well enough. A couple of near misses were the closest he came to a goal. 7

Subs:

A Johnson – Not able to get into the game. Pity, as we needed him. 6

Balotelli – He may have a catchy new song but Mario still needs to show more on the pitch. Getting dispossessed by Coleman was disappointing to say the least. 5

Jo – No time to influence the game.

Man of the match: David Silva.