Given – Pulled off an acrobatic one-handed save after 5 minutes to demonstrate no ill effects from the disappointnment of Paris. 7
Zabaleta – A generally solid game defensively, though he was slightly culpable for both goals. A trademark needless foul for the first, and not tight enough on Benayoun for the second. 6
Toure – The captain seemed to be struggling early on and it was no surprise to see him absent after half-time. To his credit he didn’t let the …
City and Liverpool were forced to settle for a draw after neither side proved capable of holding onto a lead in a game that left everyone disappointed.
After the match both managers sought to put a positive spin on the affair. Mark Hughes claimed City sides in the past would have been happy with a point, while Benitez remained sure of a top four finish. Tottenham and Villa probably felt like the real winners as they now have the opportunity to move ahead in the race for a Champions League place.
