Player ratings: Manchester City v Stoke City

Hart – A quieter day than he had at Wembley. Caught the odd cross and made a couple of saves to win the Premier League’s Golden Gloves award with his seventeenth clean sheet. 7

Richards – Without Etherington to trouble him, Micah put in a storming display down the right flank. Great to see him charging through challenges, while his intelligence with the ball is improving. 8

Kompany – Another immaculate performance. Once again the partnership with Lescott was able to repell the long ball threat from Stoke. 8

Lescott – Great to see him get on the scoresheet with an excellently timed header. Doing unto Stoke what they do to others. 8

Zabaleta – Less than happy to be spilling blood again. The result of another committed performance. 7

De Jong – Had less work to do in subduing Stoke this time round, but still did it with great professionalism. 7

Milner – While the passing was a little inconsistent, the work-rate and ground covered more than made up for it. Great to see him taking responsibility in the middle of the pitch. 7

Y Toure – No goal-scoring heroics this time. Showed good movement and passing to keep everything ticking over behind Tevez. 7

Silva (Dzeko 56 mins) – David was considered an injury doubt beforehand and it showed with his passing lacking some of it’s usual crispness. Came off to a great ovation, befitting an excellent first season at Eastlands. 6

Tevez (Boyata 88 mins) – Back to his very best. The two contrasting goals were stunning. Combined with the workrate and movement, this was a reminder of just how irreplaceable the captain would be. 9

A Johnson (Wright-Phillips 66 mins) – Had the beating of his full-back and looked a threat, particularly in the first half. 7

Subs:

Dzeko – Some nifty footwork presented him with a chance almost immediately after coming on. Later managed to hit the woodwork. Just a shame he can’t quite add to his goals tally. 7

Wright-Phillips – Some fantastic runs were a reminder of Shaun’s quality in what is likely to be his last appearance at Eastlands in a City shirt. 7

Boyata – The game was over by the time Dedryck arrived. Helped close the game out with little fuss.

Man of the match: Carlos Tevez.

Preview: Manchester City v Stoke City
Verdict: Manchester City 3 Stoke City 0

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