View From A Blue

Pantilimon - So City’s search for their first clean sheet of the season continues. No surprise to see him start in the cup, but his kicking was, at times, abysmal. Furtherstill, although he saves the shots, he always parries it out as opposed to push them out and away from the danger zone. All of his saves [...]

Hart - Despite Arsenal’s midfield dominance, they were unable to test Hart with any regularity. He produced one excellent stop to thwart Cazorla but fortunately for the Blues, Gervinho’s finishing was about as accurate as Matias Vuoso’s. I imagine. - 6.5 Zabaleta - Isolated on occasions against Arsenal’s double threat down the left and he struggled to cope [...]

Hart - Returns to Manchester with his reputation improved after an excellent, thwarting display. Felt as if he fought a lone battle against the home side on occasions but made the saves to keep us in the game. Will be disappointed with being beaten at his near post for the second goal but helpless for the [...]

Hart - Largely untested as Stoke failed to muster even irregular attacks but he commanded his area well, claiming crosses and adding an air of authority to the backline - 6 Maicon - Clearly far fonder of bombing forward than he is defending. Offered a willing attacking outlet, displaying neat footwork and almost scored a volley to cap [...]

Hart - Unfortunate for the goal, where Johnson’s shot took a deflection and Hart had to change his position at the last minute. Did well to get a hand to it but was helpless as Zamora followed up. Punching was good and commanded his area, save for one uncertain moment from a free-kick - 6.5 Zabaleta - Another consistent [...]