Champions League player ratings: Manchester City v Villarreal
Hart – Made a poor start palming out Rossi’s shot into the path of Cani for the opener. Otherwise dealt well with Villarreal’s efforts. 6
Zabaleta – So nearly the hero with a header in injury time. Showed his spirit by going on to provide the cross for Aguero’s winner. 7
Kompany – Had to keep a watchful eye on Rossi and wasn’t able to get forward as he did against Villa. 6
Lescott – Often required to cover for Kolarov in the second half and did it well. 6
Kolarov – Put over some great crosses but not quick enough to get back when we lost possession. Looked like he would either create a winner or cost us one in the second half. 6
De Jong (Aguero 61) – Surprisingly failed to make a tackle in the build up to the Villarreal goal. Lacked a little sharpness after playing at the weekend. 6
Y Toure – Caused Villarreal problems with his strength, dexterity and direct running. Mancini was right to move him further forward. 7
Nasri (Milner 80) – Heavily involved and linked well with Silva in the opening period when playing centrally. Noticeably less effective when moved out wide. 6
Silva – Maybe Spanish opponents are more familiar with his skills. Whatever the reason, David didn’t have his usual influence on procedings. 6
Johnson (Barry 40) – The victim of Mancini’s tactical change. Was doing ok if not great before going off, and hopefully he’ll have a part to play on Sunday. 6
Dzeko – August is looking a long time ago. Poor control, finishing and hold up play made this a night to forget for Edin. 5
Subs:
Barry – Brought his usual stability to midfield. The pace of European games may suit him better than the Premier League. 6
Aguero – Right place at the right time. Prior to that had very little impact and may not be as fit as was claimed. 6
Milner – Sent over a potential match winning cross for Zabaleta. Followed that by bringing the ball out of defence and playing a reverse pass for Zabaleta to cross for the winner. 7
Man of the match: Yaya Toure.
JJ THE BLUE
19 October 2011 - 1:26 pm
I always read with interest your ratings after each game, most of the time agreeing with them. However on this occasion I would like to make comments about a couple of players.
Adam Johnson virtually NEVER makes any impact on a game in which he starts. In my (and lots of others that I speak to) opinion he is a 20 minute at the end of the game substitute who should be brought on only if required. I think he believes his own press and is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. Unless we are playing complete dross, he should not get anywhere near the starting eleven.
Edin Dzeko – I thought you summed up quite well – August is a long time ago. The guy has not actually changed since we bought him. Ok, he had that Spurs game when everything went right for him, but really since then…………..nothing. For a supposed world class striker, his first touch is appalling and his heading ability in the game last night was really quite frighteningly poor. I honestly think we have bought a dud in him.
Ade
19 October 2011 - 1:39 pm
Think your mark for Yaya very generous, comments are correct but he was a liability, continuously giving the ball away being just too slow with his passes or caught in possession
gav
19 October 2011 - 1:50 pm
toure was man of the match by a mile.was really the only one who looked interested.kolarov being voted man of the match has got to be some kind of joke.the bloke is poor at best and is a liability at worst.clichy is twice the player both defensively and going forward
Viktor Larsson SWE
19 October 2011 - 1:55 pm
kolarovs best performance ever for city, yaya betwen 8-9. milner an 8, changed the game completely!!!
Mack
19 October 2011 - 2:48 pm
Yaya was impressive esp when he was pushed forward. Edin Dezko is having a bad spell but I am sure he would grow out of it. Adam Johnson lacks the penetration and drive required from a winger. He is at best a sub impact player for the last 30 minutes of a game and I do not think he would get any better.
pjdemers
20 October 2011 - 11:29 am
@JJ
No offense but Dzeko is no dud. you don’t score the amount of goals he did in the Bundesliga by being a second rate player. I think he’s struggling at the moment because he’s having to play as a lone striker. He is used to playing off a second striker and during august he was staring to develop a good understanding with Aguero. I think he’ll do fine if Aguero starts in the hole behind Dzeko or if Balotelli is allowed to play centrally so he he has a partner to link up with. It takes most foreign players about a year to adjust to the EPL. Dzeko has come into not only a different league but a very different tactical system as well. Patience would be good watchword.