Hart – Pulled off a great double save regardless of a linesman’s flag and spectacularly diverted a Joey Barton drive around the post. No chance with the goals and had to rely on the woodwork in one of his busier afternoons. 7
Richards – Enjoyed the tussle with Wright-Phillips but his passing was below usual standards. Could have done with more help when Traore overlapped. 6
Continue Reading →Roberto Mancini will look to follow up Wednesday’s away victory with another against QPR. The manager has promised to rotate the team after the midweek fixture and it will be interesting to see who comes in.
One player definitely out is the suspended Vincent Kompany and either Stefan Savic or Kolo Toure should partner Joleon Lescott. It will be a real vote of confidence in 20-year-old Savic if he is selected to start his second game in four days.
Continue Reading →City’s first ever away victory in Europe’s premier club competition could hardly have been more comfortable thanks to a clinical pair of Yaya Toure strikes sandwiching a Mario Balotelli penalty. Injuries and Aguero’s last minute winner in the previous round had clearly taken their toll on Villarreal.
Roberto Mancini sprung a surprise in selecting Stefan Savic ahead of Joleon Lescott. Maybe the manager didn’t want to risk Joleon ahead of the game against QPR when Kompany is suspended. With Villarreal impotent in attack Savic was able to demonstrate his excellent composure on the ball – you have to remind yourself he’s still only 20.
Continue Reading →Hart – Underworked for much of the match, before allowing O’Hara’s shot to come straight out and result in a penalty. It’s happened on a couple of occasions and no doubt the goalkeeping coaches will be working on this in training. 6
Richards – Put in a tremendous effort going forward in the first half. Also kept an eye on the hard working Hunt, eventually forcing him to be susbstituted. 8
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