Friday 3 October 2008

City vs Omonia ratings

Hart Did not have much to do. The goal was too quick for him. One awkward fumble late on, went unpunished. Competent kicking. 6

Zabaleta Steady progress continues. Got up and down the right hand side quickly and cleverly, putting in some pretty good crosses. Defensively solid. Even managed to break Zlogar's nose with the back of his head. 7

Richards Captain today, and had a comfortable evening. Consistently in the right place at the right time. Even managed to get forward at times, with mixed success. 7

Ben Haim Again not entirely convincing. Did not inspire confidence against high balls or in possession. At fault for Alabi's consolation goal. In no danger of challenging Dunne or Richards for a starting berth. 5

Garrido Good by his standards. Troubled only once or twice by pace on his side, and impressed going forward: he's no Evra, but he got into good positions and used the ball well. Seems to have an improving understanding with Robinho, running beyond and outside of him. Risks being out run by Kuyt on Sunday. 7

Kompany Not a very serious test of his prodigious talents. Shielded Richards and Ben Haim well, and generally kept hold of posession when he needed to. Will not have it so easy in the group stages. 7

Ireland Another good performance by the player of the season so far. Instrumental in many of our attacks, almost executing some perfect through balls - and succeeding for SWP's goal. Went close with an attempted chip. Even popped up to help out Richards in our six yard box. 8

Elano His best performance yet in the more withdrawn midfield role he has played since the arrival of Robinho. Tends to get out-muscled and eventually ignored, but his passing was immaculate today - finding Robinho and Wright-Phillips time and again. Scored probably City's goal of the season thus far. 8

Wright-Phillips Probably my Man of the Match today. Never stopped running, and displayed his almost unique ability to keep the ball under control despite opponents. Involved in most of City's best attacking play. Took his goal very well. 8

Robinho Not the star of the show today, but a good contribution nonetheless. Did not quite reach the heights of imagination and execution seen in the first leg or against Portsmouth. Did well to pick out Elano for the opener. 7

Looked a bit tired at times: has started six games in eighteen days since his return from Brazil. His contribution since the 6-0 has gradually diminished in each game. I remain a fan, but perhaps time for a rest? 6

Subs

Hamann A situation made for Didi: retained possession and didn't let Omonia have the slightest sniff of a comeback. 7

Evans As brave and lively as we have come to expect, if not quite as composed in front of goal. Cannot be far from a starting place. 7

Petrov Good for the fans to see him back, and he looked even happier. Got in some good positions, and could have scored two or three. But where does he start? 7

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Petrov should start with Elano giving way and put Ireland deeper... Obvious to me since after his beef-up over the summer he'll be able to cope with it. David Pleat was comparing him to Fabregas the other night and, I can't quite believe I'm writing this, but I agree!?

CTID