City v Stoke player ratings

Hart Had a difficult job early on dealing with Delap's throw ins but seemed to be in control. Could not have done anything about the goal. Should be preparing for a rather lengthy spell on the bench. 6

Richards Made some good runs down the right hand side but never quite had the right delivery. Lost Matthew Etherington who crossed for James Beattie's goal. 5

Kompany One of the better performers. Stood tall against Stoke's early barrage, but had nothing to do in the second half. Absolutely looks the part as Captain and centre half though? 6

Onuoha Stoke's plan of attack played to his strengths and looked untroubled for their attacking spells. Barely touched the ball in the second half. 6

Bridge Silly mistake losing Beattie for their goal - second time we've conceded from a Bridge error this week. Made good attacking runs but crossing was no better than Garrido's. 4

Zabaleta Quieter than in recent games - outmuscled at times by the Stoke midfielders. Brought off for Elano early in the second half. 5

de Jong Very adept at retaining possession and pretty strong in the tackle. But could not pick the lock of Stoke's two banks of four. 6

Ireland Has not got back his form of previous months: not quite yet on the same wavelength as Craig Bellamy and most of his attempted final third passes did not come off. 5

Wright-Phillips Struggled with the physical and compact Stoke defence. Could have been sent off for his retaliation on Delap. 5

Bellamy Delap's red card was bad news for him; he needs space to run into behind the back four and once Stoke were down to ten men he was never going to get any. Worked in the channels but with little success. 6

Robinho Another poor performance in a tough away match. Little he tried came off. Due a big game. 5

Subs:

Elano Brought on to pick defence splitting passes. Failed to make any. 5