MAN CITY 2 – 3 Manchester United – PLAYER RATINGS
9 Jan
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Pantilimon - Couldn’t have done anything to prevent United’s first two goals, but it was his poor clearance that lead to the penalty. Unlucky with the rebound, but overall, his handling was clean - 6
Richards - Started well down the right but then had to shift into the centre of defence following Kompany’s sending off. Welbeck’s movement caused him a few problems but grew into the game in the second half and drove us forward at every opportunity - 7
Kompany - Didn’t deserve to be sent-off, but he gave the referee a decision to make by bringing both feet off the ground. I’m not sure he used excessive force though, and it says everything that Nani, a player who doesn’t exactly need a second invitation to go to ground or complain, didn’t even appeal for a free-kick. Can’t see the red card being overturned, so he’s set to miss a quartet of important fixtures - 4
Lescott - Had to stand up and become a leader in Kompany’s absence and did just that in the second half. Strong in the air although looked less comfortable with the ball at his feet - 6
Kolarov - If it weren’t for his two well-struck freekicks, he’d get a much lower mark. Defensively, he’s an absolute liability. Gave Valencia far too much space for the first goal, committed the foul for the penalty with a needless tackle and lucky not to give away another one in the second half. That said, can take a freekick rather well! Overall though, if I was Clichy, I’d be fuming at being left out for Kolarov - 6
De Jong - Understandably struggled to get a foothold in the game for large periods as United used their extra man well. Looked rusty at times, and should have done better for Welbeck’s goal, but did become slightly more involved. Will have to improve markedly if he is to stay in the team - 6
Milner - Another hugely impressive performance from Milner, who yet again showed his quality in an important game. Worked tirelessly all game to close down United’s midfielders and supported Aguero well in the second half. Set for an extended run in the middle alongside Gareth Barry - 8
A. Johnson - Started brightly and caused Evra a couple of problems, but once Kompany was sent off, was forced to defend much more than he would have liked and struggled. Replaced at the break - 6
Nasri - One of his poorest performances since joining. Had been ill throughout the week and looked unfit and off the pace. Wimped out of some challenges and failed to provide enough support to Aguero as we chased the game - 5
Silva - Taken off at half-time in order to rest him, which was understandable, though you can’t help but wonder what might have been had it been Nasri, not Silva, who was replaced. Lively in the opening exchanges, but his impact was limited following the red card - 6
Aguero - An absolutely outstanding display and one that typified our second half display. Full of willing endeavour, resilience, character and belief, he produced the best striker’s performance at home since Dimitar Berbatov for Spurs a few seasons ago. Had the beating of Ferdinand, Smalling and Jones on every occasions and deserved to be on the winning side - 9
Subs
Zabaleta - Stiffened us up down the right, though didn’t have too much effect going forward. Was the type of character we need in the second half - 6
Savic - In Kompany’s absence, he could get a run in the side and competed well yesterday. Pacy and confident in possession, he stood firm - 6
Hargreaves - Only a brief cameo but pleasing to see him return to action - No time to mark
Kolarov should not even make it on the bench. Except a decent left kick, he fails as a defender hands-down. Time and again, he has shown what a poor defender it is.
It was a pathetic free kick from Kolorov ,straight at the wall, that soon led to the first goal and then sending off. He is indeed a liability and I feared the worst when his name was announced.
At last a City fan who admits Kompany’s TWO feet were off the ground, In my honest opinion he went in with the intention of (have a bit of that soft lad) which i quite understand but as Roy Keane said there was no need to go in TWO footed, as we all know it’s ilegal.
As a Red i don’t agree with your player ratings in my opinion Aguero deserved a 10 the lad was class, a blue pal of mine said it was the best he’d seen him play, CLASS. Kompany should have known better, as for Rooney saying anything to the ref i’m not a fan of any player saying anything, waving imaginary cards or the like but after seeing Mancini do just that in your midweek game, the old saying of people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones sprung to mind
Why would he intend to go in two-footed to injure at the 11th minute? If it was his intent to injure, he did a very poor job
He didn’t do a poor job, just slightly later than he’d hoped, plus Nani seen it coming and jumped out of the way, Got caught with his hand in the til, take the punishment as in his case 4 games, sh*t happens
No one can know Kompany’s intention except the player himself. Obviously majority of United fans have consensus on him being malicious and majority of City fans have consensus on him being innocuous. So there is no point in talking about his intentions and let’s stick to the facts:
1- It was a two footed tackle
2- He got the ball and there was no contact with Nani and replays confirms the nature of tackle being harmless
3- Nobody objected to the tackle (not even the drama queen Nani) except the Shrek.
Regardless of what Kompany was thinking and as much as i rate him and admire him as our captain, i have to say that this season he has been far too eager to go into dangerous challenges. I realise he has an intensity to his game and he wants to set a confrontational example to the other players but away to Chelsea this season he was blessed not to have been given his marching orders along with Clichy, quite like away at Everton last season too. I hope Mancini has a word with him. I also cannot see the FA overturning the decision.