Saturday 6 December 2008

City vs Fulham player ratings

Hart From my position (high behind the goal into which Benjani scored) I couldn't see whether he could have done better for the goal - I may update after seeing it again. Made a brave save at Johnson's feet and a spectacular one from a Bullard free-kick. 7

Zabaleta Our best outfield player in both attack and defence. Solid and combative at the back - dealt with Dempsey very comfortably. Going forward he was dynamic and intelligent, overlapping with Vassell, pulling Konchesky away and even getting in the box. Could have won it for us late on. And his cross for the goal was fantastic: could Richards have done that? 8

Dunne Given problems by the waspish Andy Johnson. Dealt well with long balls but never really quick enough on the ground. Dragged out of position for Bullard's goal, but only because Ball had been so off the pace. Distributed the ball impatiently and carelessly at times. 5

Ben Haim Showed that when not making mistakes, he's a pretty competent defender. Didn't let Zamora get too much of the ball, won a lot in the air and passed the ball well. 6

Ball Hasn't played in the league since September, and it really showed. Looked seriously off the pace throughout: everything Fulham had came on his side, including Bullard's equaliser. Like Vassell, a Pearce buy who surely cannot survive the next spending spree. 4

Kompany Not as omnipresent as in recent matches, an understandable result of the number of games he's had to play in. Won a lot of tackles, although drifted off the pace later on. Passing was mixed. 6

Hamann Exactly what we'd expect from him: broke up play well when he could, passing always clever and tidy, but not quick enough to keep up with Bullard and Johnson. May not start many more league games for City. 6

Vassell Worked hard, running up and down the right wing. Did not produce the quality we needed though, in his passing, crossing or shooting. Had one ambitious effort saved by Schwarzer in the first half but otherwise kept very quiet. 5

Wright-Phillips I know we don't have enough good central midfielders, but it is such a shame seeing him moved into the middle. When he did get the ball, he could only run into the dominant Brede Hangeland (on today's showing a good buy for January?), and never once got in behind a full back. Ran around admirably, but needs to move back out wide. 6

Ireland Not at the level we've come to expect from him. Has started twenty one games already this season in all competitions, and looks like he needed a break. A few nice touches but not quite the Cobh Fabregas we've grown used to. Could have put us 2-0 up on about 10 minutes. 5

Benjani Very good header for the goal, and one good shot that went just wide. Very little else to report on. Five games left until January... 6

2 comments:

newsoftheblues said...

spot on!

Gordy said...

I totally agree. SWP & Ireland both look like they could do with a rest, but we can't do without them