FA Cup player ratings: Scunthorpe United v Manchester City

Taylor – A lot better than his last first team appearance in Abu Dhabi. This time the early rush off the line brought about an important save rather than a penalty. A great tip over in the second half was the pick of the rest. 7

Onuoha – Typical peformance of a centre-half doing a job at right-back. Solid defensively, little to offer going forward – with the honourable exception of a very coolly taken goal at an important time. 7

Boyata – Very strong in the air and looking increasingly confident in his game. 7

Kompany – Another accomplished performance. Dominant in the air, while offering great composure on the ball. 7

Sylvinho – Scunthorpe targetted him at left-back, but he stuck to the task. Moved into midfield for the second half where his passing was excellent. The 30 yard goal was arguably our finest strike of the season. 8

Ireland – Took a while to get into the game. When he did, the chipped pass for Onuoha’s goal was perfect. May have been brought off early with Wednesday in mind. 6

De Jong – Wore the captain’s armband in the first half, and performed accordingly. Let’s hope his half-time withdrawal wasn’t down to an injury that may keep out on Wednesday. 7

Ibrahim – An impressive debut. Physically imposing and put in some crunching tackles. On the ball he showed good technique. 7

Robinho – His shooting betrayed a lack of confidence, but there were a lot of good touches and neat link-up play. The goal was a fitting reward. 7

Benjani – Ran around to no great effect. 5

Petrov – Ferocious opening goal to signal he was back in the starting eleven. Often plays well when he feels he’s been unjustly dropped and this was no exception. Played right across the attacking positions and did well in each, with penetrative passes and strong running. 8

Subs:

Cunningham – Immediately picked up a harsh booking and looked a little nervous thereafter. 5

Zabaleta – Came on to shore up the midfield and did an effective job. 6

Bellamy – Barely had a touch in his five minute run-out.

Man of the match: Most people went for Petrov, but for his great professionalism at 35 and that goal, I’m going for Sylvinho.

FA Cup verdict: Scunthorpe United 2 Manchester City 4
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