Given – The match was in danger of descending into a duel between Shay and Rooney. Thankfully Shay was still winning when the referee blew for time. 8
Richards – An improvement on his display in the last derby, but still needs to get tighter on wingers as wily as Giggs. 7
AC Milan’s Mathieu Flamini is set for a loan move to City until the end of the season, according to Sky Sports today. Roberto Mancini would be using his Italian connections and City’s ability to match the Frenchman’s generous wages to secure the deal.
It’s nearly 29 years since Paul Power scored the only goal against the then high flying Ipswich Town in City’s last major cup semi-final (we’re discouting the Full Members Cup here). That gap of time alone makes this Carling Cup semi-final a huge and historic fixture. The fact that it’s against United makes it bigger still.
Given – The wall, rather than Shay, was at fault for Everton’s first as de Jong moved to allow Pienaar a gap. Shay needed his reflexes to tip over other efforts and keep us in the game. 7
Garrido – There were a couple of times when Donovan and others got through on our left flank, but Javier did ok on the ball. 6
A predictably fired-up Everton forced City on to the back foot as Roberto Mancini suffered his first defeat since taking over at Eastlands. The absence of so many players finally caught up with us and by the end the “honeymoon is over” cliche was out in force for the manager.
City’s run of five consecutive victories comes up against an Everton side unbeaten in six league games for Roberto Mancini’s toughest test yet. Arsene Wenger conceded his side were grateful to get a point at home to Everton last weekend.
It was all the fours for City with a quartet of goals, Roberto Mancini’s fourth win, City’s fourth consecutive league win and, most importantly, up to fourth place in the table.
Given – Failed to come out for a couple of balls into the box. It was noticeable that when Kompany was out of position he did come and punch clear, so he is capable of it. He’s still great at keeping the back four on their toes mind. 6
Zabaleta – Misjudged a few balls and picked up a booking for a typical reckless foul. His passing and link up play were improved. 7
Fourth place in the league and a fourth consecutive win are the targets for City tonight as we take on a Blackburn side who haven’t won in 8 games. Moving in to the Champions League places would be a real statement of intent in what has been a quiet weekend at the top of the Premier League.
The official site has confirmed Patrick Vieira as the first signing by Roberto Mancini. The French international signed a six-month contract with the option of a further 12 months.
