Aston Villa 0 – 2 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS

5 Oct

Hart - One vital stop to deny Richardson when through on goal. Hardly called into action otherwise - 6

Zabaleta - Not as much of an attacking threat as he often is, but very solid down the right flank. His influence increased after the break and he started to become a little more prominent in the final third as we pushed for the breakthrough - 7

Kompany - His first-half display, as other struggled with their passing and intensity, was excellent in preventing the home side from gaining any attacking encouragement. Quick to nullify their breaks forward, he was strong in the air, sharp on the ground and eager to bring the ball forward - 8

Mangala - This was just the game that he would have wished for to ease himself back in after what happened away to Hull. Villa have pace in attack, but so does Mangala and he was comfortable in sitting back and intercepting the occasional counter-attack - 6

Kolarov - Struck the post in the first half and looked to push forward to provide width as often as he could, but his delivery was so-so and he wasted a couple of inviting opportunities - 6

Fernandinho - Another struggle for the Brazilian, who is yet to reach his electrifying heights of last season. Against Villa’s energy and dynamism, he seemed lightweight and leggy - 5

Y. Touré - A fairly tame showing, as has been the case more often than not this season, but then did what he does best by scoring a crucial goal. He took his strike nonchalantly, gliding forward and stroking the ball home. When he does things like that, it only serves to frustrate that he can be so insipid at times - 7

Milner - Continued his outstanding recent form. Derided for so long by those who don’t understand the game, he’s now showing the masses just how important he is to our side. His movement, especially when Silva has possession, is remarkable and his touch on the ball is far, far better than often given credit for. He’s clearly not as glamorous as others in the squad, but City are a better team when Milner plays - 8.5

Silva - As per usual, he was at the heart of everything positive we did. Fairly quiet in the first half by his standards, but then as we needed someone to unlock Villa’s resilient door, he accepted the responsibility and was magnificent after the break - 8.5

Aguero - The frustrated relief that was clear in his goal celebration told you everything about his mindset at the moment. He is trying so hard – perhaps too hard – but he’s nowhere near his peak on a consistent basis. Still scoring and contributing, but there are another few levels to come from him - 7

Džeko - His overall performances have been very impressive over the past month, but this was a return to the gangly, awkward and uncoordinated Dzeko. His touch was awry and he seemed on a different wavelength to those around him - 5

Subs

Lampard - Brought an increased measure of urgency to our play and there were frequent signs of his late bursts into the box. Drove one shot straight at Guzan - 6

Fernando – It was as if he had never been away! Provided balance and control, sitting deep, protecting the defence and allowing his teammates to express themselves further forward - 7

Navas - Little time to make an impact - No time to mark

5 Responses to “Aston Villa 0 – 2 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS”

  1. John 05/10/2014 at 4:45 pm #

    Harsh there on fernandinho he was very good first half and mangala was better than a 6 definitely..

  2. tom 05/10/2014 at 6:21 pm #

    Top marks mate. You’re right about Milner, his link up play and footballing brain are excellent. Bite strength and lungs too, should start more imo

  3. ad 05/10/2014 at 6:46 pm #

    Toure was woeful. Absolutely dreadful. So was Milner. They both deserve a 5.

  4. Goatman 05/10/2014 at 7:22 pm #

    Not sure why Yaya gets a 7 for “a fairly tame showing”. I know I am a big critic of Toure’s but I have never ever questioned his ability and that’s why his shambolic amblibings around the pitch in a totally disinterested way annoy me so much. He should dominate ever game start to finish.
    I also think Pellegrini got it badly wrong bringing Lampard on for Fernandinho. It should have been Fernado, and for 15 minutes it could have cost us the game as Lamps and Yaya were totally overrun.
    A very valuable win but I am expecting much much more.

  5. Glenn Kavanagh 05/10/2014 at 7:52 pm #

    The substitutions changed the game & numbed villa, they didn’t get a kick from 60 mins on.Fernando was most impressive, I’m glad we have him back. Vk was very commanding & JM grafted hard setting up a lovely goal for serg.

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