Colin the King wrote:
SWP 6- Disappointing stuff from Shaun again. He looked a shadow of his normal self but kept on going looking for a way through. He's a great player and a great lad but he'd want to look over his shoulder because he could be replaced quite easily by Hughes if his performances aren't at a higher level.
Steve wrote:Colin the King wrote:
SWP 6- Disappointing stuff from Shaun again. He looked a shadow of his normal self but kept on going looking for a way through. He's a great player and a great lad but he'd want to look over his shoulder because he could be replaced quite easily by Hughes if his performances aren't at a higher level.
Do you really think Les fancies a few games on the right wing mate?
Colin the King wrote:Given 7- Exceptional reaction save early on. Not tested massively after that but solid as you'd expect. Helpless for Dunnie's goal.
Zabaleta 7- Dealt well with Young I thought, until the injury after which it was obviously much easier. Got forward on numerous occasions but raced into position whenever he did. Gave his all and you can't ask for more than that in a player.
Touré 7- Continues to impress in terms of his composure and ability on the ball. I expected certain things but a player this classy I have to admit I didn't. Even when he looks under pressure he deals with it.
Lescott 6- He's slowly finding his way with us, it was bound to take a while to bed in. Better aerially and in possession but his speed of thought (or lack thereof) still makes be a bit nervous.
Bridge 8- Another very good performance. When he joined last season he was generally solid at home but lost the plot when we traveled. He's come on tenfold in that respect since August. Much calmer in possession, positionally more reliable, better decision making and like Zabs he's responsible enough to come back straight after going forward. I'm really impressed with Bridge so far.
de Jong 4- Possibly his poorest performance in a City shirt. His distribution was appalling, positionally not much better. It was like watching a puppy running after a ball in the park at times. Also the challenge on Young could easily have earned him a red and put us under huge pressure. Irresponsible and it was the right decision by Hughes to substitute him. He's been very impressive up to now so hopefully it's a one off.
Barry 6- Not a brilliant performance but did plenty of good things nonetheless. It can't have been easy keeping his concentration whilst being berated by the Villa fans all night either. His tackling and closing down wasn't at the level he's set for himself- his marking for their goal was especially disappointing In terms of linking with the attack and distribution of the ball he was very good overall though.
SWP 6- Disappointing stuff from Shaun again. He looked a shadow of his normal self but kept on going looking for a way through. He's a great player and a great lad but he'd want to look over his shoulder because he could be replaced quite easily by Hughes if his performances aren't at a higher level.
Bellamy 8- Man of the Match once again! Not even a difficult decision. I'm so, so glad to have been proven wrong about Bellamy because he's quite simply the one winning us games at the moment. An outstanding effort, he just didn't stop tormenting the Villa defence and the goal (very well taken) was due reward. Let's pray he can keep going with getting injured because right now he's our outstanding player (who'd have predicted that in August?)
Adebayor 6- A quiet day by Ade's standards but he did good things. His hold up play continues to impress and he laid off some very good balls to Tevez in particular. He'll be back firing on all cylinders very soon, no doubt about it.
Tevez 6- Overall, pretty poor. In terms of effort, he gave everything you'd expect and really got stuck in but in terms of quality he did very little. A few speculative shots from long range is about all I can think of. He's another who isn't a guaranteed starter and Robinho's best route back into the team might be taking Tevez's place.
Ireland 7- His introduction swung the game in our favour, so credit to Hughes for getting him on nice and early. Much more composed than de Jong and much more forward thinking. A couple of beautiful through balls culminating in our goal. Hopefully it's a sign that his poor early season form is out of the way and he can crack on with more of what we saw last year.
Santa Cruz 4- Awful. Absolutely awful. Conceded possession every time he got the ball and there was one suicide pass backwards that could've cost us the game. But I suppose he deserves the benefit of the doubt having only come back from a long term injury. He can only go upwards from this anyway surely.
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