City succumbed to their first league defeat despite taking the lead courtesy of Mario Balotelli after two minutes. Decisions went against us but it would be wrong to lay all the blame on the referee.
There was a similarity to the Real Madrid v Barcelona match at the weekend. City pressed high up the pitch, scoring early and unsettling the opposition. However such pressing is hard to sustain and eventually the other team came into the game and finished the stronger.
Hart – No chance with the goals and worth noting that Joe had few saves to make. 6
Zabaleta – Stepped into the breach excellently. With the focus on defending, this was the kind of game to suit Pablo’s strengths. 7
City’s unbeaten league record is set for arguably it’s toughest remaining test at Stamford Bridge. André Villas-Boas is desperate for the win, claiming it could be make or break for Chelsea’s title challenge.
City need the win to re-establish our five point lead over United. It should be a fascinating game between two fully committed sides.
Hart – Did well to turn round a few long range efforts and will be glad of the clean sheet that’s proving so elusive in the Premier League. 7
Savic – Highly creditable performance from the youngster. Olic is a difficult opponent, yet Stefan dealt with him well and showed his quality on the ball when going forward. 7
Hart – Another quiet day where most energy was expended in anger after conceding a goal. 6
Richards – Once again Micah initiated the breakthrough with a run behind the full-back. Also liked the backheel to set up a chance in the second half. Amongst all the Gary Speed tributes maybe this was one for Socrates. 8
Following last weekend’s draw, Roberto Mancini will be looking to get back to winning ways against Norwich. With our amazing home record, that might look a formality yet Paul Lambert’s side have performed admirably at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield.
With a potentially huge game against Bayern Munich coming up on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see if Roberto Mancini holds back from playing his strongest side.
City claimed a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup thanks to a brilliant breakaway goal scored by Sergio Aguero. Both sides may have sent out rotated sides, but winning at Arsenal for the first time in 34 years is another psychological boost for City.
Only Samir Nasri of the starting eleven at Liverpool began this match, though Aguero did play the majority after coming on for Kolarov after 31 minutes. There was a slight surprise in seeing the right-footed Zabaleta playing at left-back. The Argentine had a fine game, using all his defensive nous to prevent the dangerous Oxlade-Chamberlain causing significant damage.
Pantilimon – Produced a save from Park that matched anything by Joe Hart at Anfield. Still needs to work on dealing with crosses but this was a much more promising display from the Romanian. 8
Zabaleta – For all the praise being directed at Oxlade-Chamberlain, he rarely got the better of Pablo who did an excellent job defensively. 8
With Roberto Mancini vowing to make eleven changes from the team which played Liverpool, there could be an opportunity for a couple of the younger players. It won’t be easy as Arsene Wenger has indicated he will play some first teamers in an attempt to win this Carling Cup quarter-final.
Juan Roman tweeted that he has travelled down with the squad, while Razak and Suarez will also be looking to feature. The sight of Owen Hargreaves will be a welcome one and if de Jong plays then there may not be room for Razak in the starting eleven.
Hart – Saved the best till last with a series of excellent stops to ensure we earned a point. 9
Richards – Kept Downing quiet and made a solid return after missing out against Napoli. 7
