Richards Restored at right back and did well. He's always been good in the air and so Wolves' aerial barrage was comfortable for him. Clearly told to attack less than under Hughes, which could well be good for him. 7
Touré Another improved performance from the captain. He won everything in the air and organised those around him. But if we buy in January who is to say that he will come back in? 7
Kompany We had been lacking a dominant figure at centre half but at Molineux Kompany provided it. Towering aerially, he threw himself in front of everything. Our centre backs for January 2010 will be Kompany and one other, which is quite a change. 8
Zabaleta Started at left back - where he has done well before - but looked very out of touch; off the pace and sloppy in possession. Early in the second half he was moved to right midfield and did much better: shutting down Wolves' attacks down the left and passing it smartly too. 6
Ireland Started in the hole before moving wide right. Struggled to really pick up space and drifted out of the game. Substituted early in the second half with a possible hamstring strain. 5
de Jong Had a big physical battle with Karl Henry - gave and took some hefty tackles. Used the ball simply and wisely. Partnership with Barry looks to be a key part of the Mancini team. 7
Barry Grew into the game. His accurate long passes to Bellamy and Petrov were crucial to our counterattacking game, and he did well to win the freekick from which Garrido scored. 7
Petrov Started on the right of a front three but moved to the left wing early on. Troubled Wolves with his pace and running, and provides better delivery from wide areas than anyone else at the club. 7
Bellamy Proved wrong anyone who thought that he would not be part of Mancini's Man City. Started left but moved up front, his movement and running when we were on or off the ball were as good as ever. The turn and pass for the first goal were so good that we can forgive his two misses. 8
Tévez His hot streak continued: matching the Bellamy-style running with another two goals. The first was deflected but the second was a perfect left footed finish from the edge of the box. Eight goals in seven games in December. 8
Subs:
Garrido His renaissance continues - he played the last half hour at left back, and scored a brilliant free kick bent round the wall. I don't know if it was better than his against Liverpool but it certainly meant more. The new Michael Tarnat. 7
Robinho Ten good minutes, setting up Tevez's goal and almost scoring himself. n/a
Sylvinho Too late to mark. Spoilt my Fantasy League week. n/a
3 comments:
Garrido being the new Michael Tarnat: great stuff! Bellamy has been so good this season that last night seemed like an off game, mainly due to being unable to finish. Still, who can deny what he means to our future?
I disagree as regards Vince. He was good at times and he was not so good at times, but he was certainly not towering. Got lost under quite a few crosses and was relieved when Micah came on to take some of the pressure. I'm told he doesn't want to play CB, particularly on the left side.
I think his wishes will be granted early in the transfer window, but he may lose his place in the team too.
Rather surprised to hear that Kompany does not want to play centerback as this is the position in which came to the fore for Anderlecht as 17 year old and excelled at before moving to Hamburg. He definitely brings a degree composure to the backline.
Can anybody give any sources verifying he doesn't want to play CB? It may indeed prove to be true but I would be surprised given his playing history with both Anderlecht and Belgium and the fact he seems better suited to CB rather than MF.
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