Europa League player ratings: Manchester City v Lech Poznan

Hart – Needed to be alert for a couple of long range attempts, and Boyata’s dodgy backpass. 7

Richards – Currently using his strength well to get tight on opponents. His defending is better than that of Boateng at the moment, which poses an interesting question for the Arsenal game. 7

Boyata – One underhit backpass aside, this was another assured performance from the youngster. Once again his positioning and tackling were excellent. 7

Lescott – More match practice for Joleon at centre-back and he’s looking in good form. The movement of the Poznan forwards will be good preparation for facing Arsenal. Lucky not to have conceded a penalty mind. 7

Zabaleta (Bridge 85 min) – Kept busy by the Poznan attack as they targeted his flank. Pablo stood up to the challenge well, aside from the hesitation that cost a goal. Appears to be getting used to the left-back position. 7

de Jong – Captain for the night and back to his usual self. Snapping into tackles and not afraid to slide in. We’ll need more of the same against Arsenal. 7

Vieira – Terrific to be able to call on a player with such experience for these fixtures. Set the tempo for the side and looks fully fit. 7

Wright-Phillips (Jo 78 min) – Worked hard but too many things didn’t come off. Needs a better awareness of his team-mates if he’s to impress Mancini. 6

Silva (Y Toure 75 min) – His best match so far. Two perfect crosses for the latter goals were an example to Johnson and Wright-Phillips. Silva’s control and movement was a class apart. 9

A Johnson – Some brilliant footwork, particularly in the second half, left his opponent for dead. Didn’t always link up with team-mates, but still nearly scored the goal of the game with an effort against the bar. 7

Adebayor – Just when his City career was at a low, Ade now finds himself in the history books as the first blue to score a hat-trick in Europe. The first was a brilliant drag-back and shot. The second a towering header, and the third was about being in the right place. Worked hard throughout and could have had more. 8

Subs:

Y Toure – Attempted a couple of runs at the defence which didn’t quite come off. Strong as ever but still needs to add sharpness to his game. 6

Jo – Slotted in on the left flank without any problem. One delicious flick sent the ball across the Poznan goal. 6

Bridge – Little chance to make an impression. Any match time is good for Bridge to build up his match fitness. 6

Man of the match: Convention says it should go to Adebayor as the hat-trick hero. Performance says it goes to David Silva – the Spaniard it is.