Thursday 25 September 2008

City player ratings

(For the 90 minutes I was there for)

Schmeichel Crucial save on 82 minutes, and may have pushed a first half effort onto the post. 6

Zabaleta Solid in defence, made some good attacking runs up the right hand side. 6

Dunne Dealt easily with Brighton's long ball football. Poor in distribution 6

Ben Haim Did not look very comfortable. Arguably at fault for the equaliser. 5

Ball Untroubled at the back, got forward well in the second half 6

Kompany Not his usually excellent self. Less secure in possession than in recent weeks. Gave away too many free kicks, lucky not to get booked. 5

Johnson Looked off the pace in the first half but improved as the match went on. At the heart of much of our good attacking play after Gelson's goal 6

Fernandes Barely touched the ball in the first half, but much improved after half time. Did well to break the deadlock, but could have scored two or three. 6

Ireland Out of place on the right wing, drifted inside with good effect in the second half. Some lovely touches, but lacked composure in front of goal. Could have had a hat trick in the 90 minutes. 7

Sturridge Not fair to be played on the left wing: sparky when on the ball but struggled to get in the game. 5

Jo Worked hard but never looked comfortable. Went close a few times in the second half. 6

Evans (on for Sturridge, 60 mins) Our best attacking player - held up the ball and ran at defenders. Had a few decent chances to win it for us. 7

4 comments:

Jonny said...

I don't understand why Sturridge is played ahead of Evans. To me Evans is much better finisher and more natural striker.

TLDORC said...

Evans certainly looked better than Sturridge when he came on. Although it must be said that Sturridge was played wide in a 433, whereas Evans played as a more conventional striker.

Regarding who ought to have started, I think it's always going to be a close call. Evans seems to be a more mature player, but Sturridge's raw talent is phenomenal.

Perhaps tonight taught us to expect less of them in the immeadiate term though?

Unknown said...

The thing I don't understand is why Michael Ball took a penalty...

Jonny said...

Thing I don't understand is Michael Ball!