MAN CITY 1 – 0 Manchester United – PLAYER RATINGS
3 Nov
Hart - Although neat in possession, much of United’s control was in deep areas and Hart only had two saves to make. His stop to deny Van Persie was fairly routine, but then pulled off a great save to prevent Di Maria from finding the corner - 7
Zabaleta - Won the highly-anticipated battle with Di Maria and was a constant presence at the back, always covering well if needed and sticking tight to his man out wide. Plenty of his usual vigour and attacking bursts, too - 7
Kompany - You just get the impression that he absolutely relishes these encounters. We know how focused he usually is for normal league fixtures, but he always raises his intensity levels in derbies and yesterday was no different. Had a tough aerial contest with Fellaini, but when the ball was in open play he was impenetrable - 8
Demichelis - Another superb display from the man who has turned himself from a figure of amusement into a cult hero. His composure on the ball is remarkable, his passing out from the back positive and consistent, and his ability to read the game enabled him to make countless interceptions - 8
Clichy - Irrespective of the circumstances, this was an outstanding performance from Clichy. He was so sharp, so quick to nip in and pinch the ball, and he nullified Januzaj and then competed well with Di Maria. Supplied the cross for the goal, which typified his energy, desire and controlled delivery. When you factor in that he only knew he would be playing fifteen minutes before the start of the game, he deserves extra praise - 8.5
Fernando - Found it tough in the opening half and hour or so as United passed the ball well and had the extra man in midfield, but he stepped up following the sending off and helped to stamp City’s control on the game. Made a number of typically crunching, leggy tackles in the second half and supported the centre-backs well in the aerial battle with Fellaini - 7
Y. Touré - Bypassed for much of the first half by United’s movement, but upped his game after the break and was a key figure at the start of the second half as we poured forward. Delivered an inch-perfect pass to Clichy in the build up to the goal and played a series of cute, inventive passes around the box - 7
Navas - Some good work in stretching the play and forcing Luke Shaw on to the back foot, but he could be even more direct when he gets the ball. Wasted a couple of presentable crossing opportunities - 6
Milner - It should come as no surprise to anyone who has watched City this season that Milner was one of our best performers. His off-the-ball running to create angles and provide options never draws the praise it merits, but he’s an absolutely vital member of the side. Bluntly, the game changed in United’s favour when Milner was substituted. We lacked a wide presence on the left and without the screening of Milner, Clichy found it tougher against Di Maria - 8
Jovetic - It was somewhat of a surprise to see him start and the gamble didn’t pay off. He clearly has a touch of guile in the final third, as was seen with his delicate chip to Yaya that should have resulted in a penalty, but he was too often lightweight. Shrugged off the ball easily and couldn’t link up with the likes of Milner and Aguero around him - 5
Aguero - In a tight game, he was once again the difference. He had shown glimpses of his ability, most notably in perfectly controlling a dropping ball and then drifting past Rojo before firing at De Gea, but it was turning into a frustrating afternoon for him as he was denied two clear penalties. But then he showed great awareness to just stand off a couple of yards in the box and his finish was clinical in the extreme - 8
Subs
Nasri - Couldn’t have any impact on the game. At a time when City needed to stretch United’s ten men, he was guilty of drifting infield - 6
Džeko - Other than wasting one glorious counter-attacking move with his clumsy touch, he was on the fringes. Not the substitute we needed - 5
Fernandinho - A couple of neat interceptions in a brief cameo - No time to mark
Your ratings are very accurate. I would add that Clichy’s performance maybe shows that the psychological pressure of preparing for a derby can be negative… Clichy was not expecting to play and was relaxed and able to compete at the highest level.
I too was disappointed with Jovetic’s performance. His flicks and turns are flashy but he has to learn how to complement his colleagues rather than looking to grandstand all the time
Pretty much agree with your ratings. Thank god Yaya showed off some of his renowned passing vision techniques and Milner is always in my team even with one leg to play with. Simply irreplaceable!
Mike
Fernando and Clichy especially proved a fair few doubters wrong yesterday
All good great to get another derby win, Clichy & Fernando were very impressive” its time to find some consistency now…the ref was very poor great save from hart lovely move & goal by the top dog mr f***** A.