Player ratings: Manchester City v Everton

Hart – Dealt well enough with corners, got away with a last minute mix-up with Lescott and that was about all he had to do. 7

Richards – Stood up well to the attentions of Everton’s battlers and sought to make the breakthrough with a couple of surging runs. 7

Clichy – Did well defensively, particularly when Fellaini was stationed against him to try and win high balls. Gael’s pace in getting up and down the flank is a huge asset. 7

Lescott – Excellent against the grappling of Cahill, winning all challenges and not giving away free-kicks. 8

Kompany – Laughable how he could be adjudged the aggressor when Cahill’s two-footed lunge came his way. A better showing from the captain who ironed out the mistakes that have been creeping into his game recently. 7

Barry – Did well to keep possession ticking over and not get caught up in the niggling going on around him. 7

Y Toure – Needed to be sharper in the first half when he wasn’t allowed the time on the ball he would have liked. Improved in the second period. 6

Silva – Targetted by Rodwell, Neville then Rodwell again in Moyes’ man-to-man marking tactic. Interesting how Silva switched to playing one touch passes to elude his marker. Had the last laugh with a beautiful assist for Milner. 8

Aguero (Milner 79) – Fantastic run and back-heel to set up the key goal. Went close on a couple of occasions in what was an ongoing struggle to find space. 7

Nasri (Savic 83) – Looked hungrier than in recent games and needed to be. Rarely lost the ball, even in the final third and showed good movement. 7

Dzeko (Balotelli 60) – Shooting was off and this was Edin’s least effective performance so far. The Everton centre-backs gave him little room to manouvre and it was no surprise to see him replaced. 6

Subs:

Balotelli – Scored the breakthrough goal and frankly, that was all that mattered. 7

Milner – Good to see James’ industry brought on to ensure the final stages were trouble free. 7

Savic – A brief appearance which still gave Stefan time to impress with a couple of strong challenges and a goal-line clearance. 7

Man of the match: For another solid display and applauding all sides of the ground at the final whistle, just as he did at Goodison last season – Joleon Lescott.