Player ratings: Portsmouth v City

Given – The Irishman didn’t have a great deal to do, and his best save struck him on the shoulder, but who can argue with another clean sheet. Must feel invincible. 7

Richards -  Showed no ill effects from Thursday night and had his best game of the season. An excellent poacher’s finish for the disallowed goal. Let’s hope the injury isn’t serious. 8

Toure – The season’s best defensive performance had the new skipper at it’s heart. His influence seemed to be rubbing off on the improved Richards. 8

Lescott – Barring one Dunney style pass to the opposition, this was an excellent Premier League debut in front of the watching Fabio Capello. Commanding in the air, and patrolled his area of the pitch with authority. 8

Bridge – From being a  man alone in the left back slot last season, he now had Lescott, Barry and Bellamy all helping him out. Little wonder his best form continues. 8

Wright-Phillips – Showed the same graft as Thursday, but without the finishing touches. Needs to work on his link-up play with Tevez and Adebayor. 6

Ireland -  Held his own in midfield until Brown clobbered him. May not be spending as much time running around the Glossop hills as he hoped on the international break.

Barry – With better assistance from Ireland and De Jong, the Englishman controlled the midfield. Even managed a couple of Elano-esque crossfield passes. 8

Bellamy – Worked hard and came into his own in the second halt. The Pompey full-back never had a moments rest. However the Welshman lacked the vision of Robinho and crossing ability of Petrov. 6

Adebayor – Looks capable of scoring every game, and does! He worked the flanks, lead the line and showed the most quality of all the front players. 8

Tevez – Plenty of industry, but still to reach top form. Amongst the harrying, there were some fine touches, but little goal threat. 6

Subs:

Zabaleta – The Argentinian’s passing was tidier than Richards. Picked up his customary booking and to often looked like conceding free-kicks. 6

De Jong – Another late cameo from the Dutchman. Provided a steadying influence in the middle of the park. 6

Man of the match: Barry and the defence all had good games, but the goal machine made the difference: Emmanuel Adebayor.