Player ratings: United Arab Emirates v Manchester City

Taylor – Nightmare. Needless concession of a penalty when failing to deal with a backpass; followed in the second-half by gifting another chance when failing to hold a cross. An excellent stoppage time save was a crumb of comfort. 3

Trippier – The former youth team skipper showed plenty of endeavour, but to many long balls failed to reach a target. 5

Continue Reading

Verdict: United Arab Emirates 1 Manchester City 0

With Sheikh Mansour picking up the tab for a seven star hotel in a way that Darius Vassell could do with right now, City repaid this generous hospitality by allowing the host nation victory via a first-half penalty calamitously conceded by Stuart Taylor.

In many ways it was what we’ve come to expect under Mark Hughes’ tenure. Plenty of professionalism and organisation in the build-up to the game, followed by a disjointed performance once we go out on the pitch.

Continue Reading