Player ratings: Barcelona v City
Given – A brilliant display of goalkeeping with superb judgement and handling. 9
Onuoha – Drifted into the centre a little to much for comfort but redeemed himself with some excellent tackles as Barca failed to get the better of him. 7
Dunne – Another lionheart performance from the captain who thoroughly deserved to lift the Joan Gamper trophy. 8
Toure – Showed he has the quality at this level and won bragging rights with his brother. 7
Zabaleta – The Argentine continues to look a capable deputy at left-back and was once again our toughest tackler. 8
Weiss – A terriffic display from the youngster who conquered some early nerves to take the game to the opposition. 8
Wright-Phillips – Surprisingly given a central midfield role, but did his best for the team. 6
Ireland – A temperature into the 90’s didn’t stop Superman from running all night long. Also managed to pick out some fine passes, none better than the one for Petrov’s goal. 8
Barry – Not quite able to show the composure that we’ve seen thus far, but still nearly sneaked a goal on the stroke of half-time. 7
Petrov – Fabulously taken goal as he continues to stake a claim for a competitive start. 8
Tevez – Lone striker may not be his preferred role, but he had a valuable hour on the pitch and showed glimpses of his talent. 7
Subs:
Ben Haim – The Israeli’s form has been steadily improving and there were some excellent interceptions here when others were starting to tire. 7
Garrido – Fears that his tackling might not be quite up to the Messi challenge proved unfounded as the Spaniard slotted in admirably on a return to home soil.
Trippier – What an experience for the captain of last year’s youth side! 6
Etuhu – The direct running of Kelvin gave the defence a welcome respite. 6
Bellamy – Inches away from a second goal with the last kick of the game. Would we have seen a repeat of the famed golf club goal celebration? 6
Man of the match: For being the best youngster on the pitch according to Mark Hughes, I’d nominate Weiss.