Hart – Normally copes well with a player in front of him at corners. Not this time as Joe came and flapped a couple of times. Produced a top quality diving tip-over in the second half – one for the cameras. 6
Richards – Not quite so solid defensively as of late. Otherwise this was another powerful performance down the right flank, continuing his good form. 7
Continue Reading →City went to an in-form Arsenal with the intention of not coming away empty handed. In that regard, 0-0 was mission accomplished and Roberto Mancini was apologising to no-one for his tactics.
The only surprise was that so many people were surprised by this. The clues were all there leading up to the game.
Continue Reading →Hart – A faultless display as Joe took the opportunity to remind everyone why he’s England’s number one. The save from a long range Van Persie strike was the pick of the bunch. 8
Richards – His steady rehabilitation under the tutelage Mancini continues. Stuck to his duties all night and warranted his recall. 7
Continue Reading →City ought to be heading to the Emirates full of confidence following a maximum nine points from the festive period. However, injuries ruling out David Silva and Mario Balotelli are undermining that view and Tevez is likely to need to rediscover his goalscoring touch.
Along with the absences, a major concern is the effect of fatigue on the players in this, the last of four matches being played in quick succession. Both Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure can drop off the pace when not at their freshest, and against Arsenal this could be costly.
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