Player ratings: City v Arsenal

Given – A few decent saves and little chance with the goals that ended his run of clean sheets. 7

Richards – Another improved performance. Used his strength well against Diaby. Deserves to be credited with the opening goal. Showed Wright-Phillips how it’s done in the second half, beating a defender and teeing up Bellamy for the vital second. 8

Toure – Arguably the best defender on show. Kolo retained his composure in the face of Arsenal’s movement, and showed his captaincy credentials by repeatedly directing those around him. 8

Lescott – Presumably he found this a better experience than the 6-1 mauling by Arsenal at Goodison a few weeks ago. Misjudged a tackle on Van Persie that led to their first goal, but produced some fine blocks and tackles throughout. Joleon is settling in nicely. 7

Bridge – Increasingly reliable defensively, while his forward runs provided a valuable outlet. Best moment came after a Given save; the ball came to Van Persie who tried to lose Bridge with a pirouette, but a sharp readjustment enabled the England man to make a crucial block. 7

De Jong – Lived up to his billing with trademark tackles. Several times the Dutchman demonstrated his particular skill in making the tackle and giving the ball to a fellow City player in the same movement. I’m not sure how he does it, but I love it. 8

Barry – His usual excellent self in the first half, instigating attacks as well as holding back the Arsenal midfield. Possibly his England exertions caught up with him in the second period as Fabregas and Rosicky started to find a way through. 6

Wright-Phillips – A game of two halves. In the first nothing seemed to come off despite his continued efforts to run at the Arsenal defence. In the second he quickly followed a howler of a miss with an assist and a goal, deftly lifting the ball over the onrushing Almunia. 6

Ireland – Never able to influence the game as much as he would have liked. The low point was the indecision that prevented him shooting or passing following a burst through the Arsenal rearguard. Funnily enough the tactical rearrangement following his substitution provided the spark for the match winning burst of goals. 5

Adebayor – Where to begin? The highlight was the dribble that culminated in a nutmeg of Gallas and teed up Wright-Phillips. Kinkladze at his best. The low point was catching Van Persie. Barton at his worst? He may be missing for a few games, but when he returns I can see a lot more of the good stuff coming our way. 7

Bellamy – He played 90 minutes in Russia midweek, but you’d never have guessed. The tireless Welshman seemed to grow stronger as the game wore on. Made up for a poor cross from an excellent position in the first half with the crucial second goal. The moment that typified him was the tackle on Clichy, charge up the pitch and pass to Wright-Phillips for the fourth goal. 8

Subs:

Petrov – Great to see him get on the pitch and he didn’t disappoint. He showed some fine touches and his attacking presence helped turn the tide long enough for us to win the match. 6

Man of the match: Bellamy