Player ratings: Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers

Hart – Not his finest display of handling. There was a warning in the first half when Joe came for one ball and saw if fly past into touch. Calamity came even closer when Kompany was required to clear a fumbled catch off the line. 6

Zabaleta – Ensured Martin Petrov had a return to forget with some tight marking and timely interceptions. Distribution was less accomplished and two chances to score went begging. 6

K Toure (Lescott, 31) – Was doing a good job of sticking tight to Elmander until a calf strain forced him off. 6

Kompany – Imperious. Never ruffled by Davies as Bolton pumped the ball towards their captain. A dominant central defensive performance that also included baling out Hart and a forward charge to set up a good chance at the other end. 8

Kolarov – After being booked, Aleks shouldn’t have slid in to earn a second yellow. He’s not averse to blocking people off when they threaten to go past and needs a little more subtlety to his defending. For someone with his technique the delivery from corners should be better too. 6

Barry – A solid display, providing effective cover for Kolarov first when he bombed forward, then when he was sent off. Elsewhere Gareth linked play well and made some well judged forward runs. 7

De Jong – Put in some terrific tackles whenever Bolton threatened to play their way through our midfield. Nigel’s effectiveness forced the Wanderers to hit high balls for Kompany and Lescott to deal with. 7

Y Toure – A far more dynamic performance than we’re used to. A nicely judged pass to set up the goal was the start of a good day. Looked fitter and used his strength superbly to hold off challenges before embarking on driving runs. 7

Silva (Richards, 83) – The control, technique, movement, vision and passing were a joy to behold. Only the shooting wasn’t quite there. Whenever he was involved, the chance of a goal always felt more likely. 8

Tevez (Milner, 89) – The early goal promised a happier day than it turned out to be for Carlos. Thereafter several squandered opportunities, a booking born of frustration and disappointment at being substituted took the edge off his winning goal. His hold up play and movement were still excellent mind. 7

Balotelli – More involved than in any of his previous games. Kept his temper in check and was mostly aggrieved at his team-mates failure to supply a pass at the right time. Hit the post when he should have scored, but otherwise provided some fabulous touches. Mario’s starting to get up to speed, and looks very good indeed. 7

Subs:

Lescott – It’s valid to wonder whether we would have coped as well in the final stages if Kolo hadn’t been injured. The physical test provided by Davies and co was just the challenge that Joleon relishes. Provided valuable solidity. 7

Richards – Rightly brought on to enable Zabaleta to switch to left-back. Helped close out the game. 6

Milner – Provided an extra presence in midfield for the final few minutes. 6

Man of the match: David Silva.

Preview: Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers
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