Player ratings: United Arab Emirates v Manchester City

Taylor – Nightmare. Needless concession of a penalty when failing to deal with a backpass; followed in the second-half by gifting another chance when failing to hold a cross. An excellent stoppage time save was a crumb of comfort. 3

Trippier – The former youth team skipper showed plenty of endeavour, but to many long balls failed to reach a target. 5

Onuoha – A calm head in another disorganised defence. It must have felt like last season all over again. Inevitably he was huffing and puffing later on, but at least he showed some composure to go with the well timed tackles. 7

Vidal – The pick of the younger players despite playing out of position at left-back. He was undermined by the need to use his right foot when going forward, but still showed his ability. 7

Mee – He did ok and looked to benefit from having the experience of Nedum alongside. 6

Zabaleta – An industrious performance back in the centre of midfield. Doesn’t have the quality to pick a pass but at least he held his own in the tackling. 6

Ireland – Captain for the day and the Irishman was at the hub of our play. Unfortunately his passing didn’t always come off, though he wasn’t helped by a complete lack of movement by Benjani in the first half. 6

Marshall – Overhit two set pieces, which was disappointing as they were our best opportunities in the opening period. 5

Tutte – Not in the game during the first half, but showed some appetite in the second. Still wasn’t able to get the better of the full-back. 5

Nimely – Alex showed good movement and energy, but his touch and control let him down. Managed a good cross late on that nearly resulted in an own goal. 6

Benjani – Awful first half that made you wonder why we pay him. Managed to get involved in the second period but no goal threat whatsoever. 4

Subs:

Poole – Wasn’t able to get into the game unfortunately. 5

Boyata – Came on for Mee, but didn’t have the same composure. 5

Redshaw – Showed some decent control but wasn’t able to hurt the opposition. 5

Man of the match: Ireland was at the heart of things, but wasn’t quite able to deliver so the award goes to Nedum Onuoha.