Monday 29 September 2008

City vs Wigan player ratings

Hart Blameless for either goal. One catching error, but general play good. Bizarre shouting at Zaki for penalty failed to put him off. 6

Zabaleta Probably City's best player. Tough in the tackle, careful on the ball and willing to run up and down the right hand side all day. Vedran who? 7

Dunne Another solid performance - unfortunate to have conceded two goals. Strong in the air and on the ground. 7

Richards Has not quite found his feet yet this season. Not as surefooted as Dunne, given problems throughout by Amr Zaki, and should have closed down Valencia for Wigan's opening goal. Bold going forward, but that's not really his job. 5

Garrido I am, by the standards of City fans, 'pro-Garrido' but I struggle to see how he's starting ahead of Ball at the moment. I didn't think the penalty against him was quite the injustice Hughes did, but it was another afternoon of poor passing and slack marking from the Spaniard. Gets in good positions going forward - but if that's sufficient to getting picked at full back why not drop Petrov in there when he's fit? 5

Kompany More like his Brighton appearance than his Portsmouth one. Hassled throughout by Cattermole and Palacios, his passing radar was not as immaculate as usual. Silly booking for dissent. Took his goal well. 6

Ireland Another strength of his is being able to play well in a malfunctioning team. Tireless work in midfield, against difficult opponents. A few nice touches going forwards, particularly the through ball to Robinho in the first half. Could have done better with his one on one perhaps. 7

Elano Never going to be a game suited to his style (he can wait until Thursday for that), visibly struggled with the pace and physicality. Tried too many Hollywood balls too often, although at least he tried to create something. Surely will be replaced by a fit Johnson for away league games in future? 6

Wright-Phillips Our best attacking player. Always willing to run at his full back, and often did well to keep the ball in difficult circumstances. Final ball not up to his usual standard - Aaron Lennon would be embarrassed by some of his crosses. 7

Robinho His first away game in English football, and it showed. Completely squeezed out of the game by Wigan. Had to drop very deep to get a taste of the ball. The one time he had space in a good position, he was through on goal. And he put it wide. Silly booking for dissent. 4

Rather off the pace. Could not do much with the ball in the box, so had to drop off or go wide to get time in possession. Not quite showing the poacher's instinct his record for CSKA Moscow would suggest. 5

Subs

Evans, Sturridge, Gelson: Did not really do enough to warrant a mark. Evans worked hard.

No comments: