Blue Days

City went to an in-form Arsenal with the intention of not coming away empty handed. In that regard, 0-0 was mission accomplished and Roberto Mancini was apologising to no-one for his tactics.

The only surprise was that so many people were surprised by this. The clues were all there leading up to the game.

Hart – A faultless display as Joe took the opportunity to remind everyone why he’s England’s number one. The save from a long range Van Persie strike was the pick of the bunch. 8

Richards – His steady rehabilitation under the tutelage Mancini continues. Stuck to his duties all night and warranted his recall. 7

City ought to be heading to the Emirates full of confidence following a maximum nine points from the festive period. However, injuries ruling out David Silva and Mario Balotelli are undermining that view and Tevez is likely to need to rediscover his goalscoring touch.

Along with the absences, a major concern is the effect of fatigue on the players in this, the last of four matches being played in quick succession. Both Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure can drop off the pace when not at their freshest, and against Arsenal this could be costly.

Rarely has such early promise given way to dismay so quickly. The sending off of Boyata after a mere four minutes left City too long to play with 10 men as we crashed to Arsenal.

This was no reward for a sterling effort. De Jong, Silva and Tevez all took the fight to Arsenal, particularly during the first half, as we managed an impressive nine goal attempts with six on target.

Hart – Great penalty save and showed good judgement throughout. Little chance with the goals though he was furious with himself after the third. Without a big man in attack to lump the ball at, Joe’s distribution is improving. 7

Richards – Showed terrific commitment to the cause, both in defending and getting forward. Just a shame the end product wasn’t always there. Justified his selection with new found focus in his defending. 7

Another big test for City arrives at Eastlands in the shape of Arsenal. Whether Adebayor is in the starting eleven to welcome them is a legitimate question following his excellent hat-trick on Thursday.

Chances are Roberto Mancini will pack the midfield and revert to a line-up similar to that which defeated Chelsea. That means Yaya Toure, de Jong and Barry providing the muscle in midfield.

City ground out a goalless draw in a game that offered little for the neutral, and less to the home support whose only satisfaction came in jeering Adebayor. Roberto Mancini and the City players appeared happy with the point following Spurs’ defeat to United.