Given – A vital save with the game goalless set the tone. Good to see him coming off his line for crosses. Shay now has another fan in Mancini who called him “the best”. 8
Zabaleta – Pablo has always looked like the kind of defender who would do well in Serie A, and he was at ease in this new-look defence. 7
The Roberto Mancini regime got off to a winning start with two goals and, more significantly, the first clean sheet at home since August.
Boxing Day sees Roberto Mancini’s first game as the new Manchester City manager and the anticipation is huge. The Italian has ramped up the expectation with his stated aim of finishing in the top four this season. The players have been put through double training sessions this week in a bid to reshape the team.
The past two days have seen City take centre stage in the media once again and it’s not been pretty. In fact it’s probably been more brutal than the sacking of Hughes, who is now being described along the lines of the greatest manager ever.
Today’s revelation that Garry Cook spoke to Guus Hiddink’s agent about the dutchman’s availability couldn’t have come at a worse time for Mark Hughes.
Mark Hughes will be desperate for a win over Sunderland as he attempts to stave off the vultures that are beginning to circle over the manager’s dugout at Eastlands. The defeat at Tottenham has given the run of 8 draws in 10 games a distinct look of the glass being half empty.
Given – Little chance with the goals, and even came for a couple of crosses to help an overworked defence battle the height of Crouch. Impeccable decision making on a difficult evening. 6
Richards – Did his best to get forward, but wasn’t able to replicate his goal from last weekend. Defensively he stayed strong, doing his best when asked to mark Crouch at set-pieces. 6
City went toe to toe with Spurs and came off second best in a hectic game that put a large dent in any ambitions to claim a Champions League place.
