Player ratings: Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Hart – Underworked for much of the match, before allowing O’Hara’s shot to come straight out and result in a penalty. It’s happened on a couple of occasions and no doubt the goalkeeping coaches will be working on this in training. 6
Richards – Put in a tremendous effort going forward in the first half. Also kept an eye on the hard working Hunt, eventually forcing him to be susbstituted. 8
Kompany – Looked to be cruising through the game before disaster struck. Should have let Doyle go rather than bundling him over. 6
Lescott – Another accomplished performance, standing up well after we went down to ten men. 8
Kolarov – Being on hand to tap in the second goal was a fine illustration of his cavalier spirit. Got forward excellently during the opening period, while others covered behind. 7
Barry – An assured performance combining good passing with astute positional play. Made sure he didn’t pick up another booking after being cautioned in the first half. 8
Y Toure – Lovely first touch in the build-up to the third goal. Didn’t always get behind the ball quickly enough when we lost possession. 7
Nasri (Balotelli 70) – Looked hungry and sharp after losing his starting slot last week. Covered well for Kolarov’s attacking forays. 7
Silva – Not able to influence procedings as much as at Old Trafford. Hopefully back to his best in Wednesday’s return to Spain. 7
Aguero (Savic 76) – Looked fitter and sharper than he has for a few weeks. Sergio’s movement distracts defenders and frees up space for Dzeko. 7
Dzeko (A Johnson 63) – Somewhere between the good Edin of August and the bad Edin prior to Old Trafford. Gift of a goal courtesy of Aguero, with whom he appears to play best. 7
Subs:
A Johnson – Alongside the superbly struck third goal was the initial incisive pass which led to the second. Also tracked back with vigour and it’s to be hoped Adam continues to feature in this form. 8
Balotelli – Skied an attempted repeat of his goal against Everton. Made ammends with the fine tackle and intelligent run which led to the third goal. 7
Savic – Did well in ensuring Wolves had no futher sights of the City goal after Kompany’s sending off. 7
Man of the match: For his 200th City game we’ll give it to Micah Richards.
pjdemers
1 November 2011 - 6:26 am
I’m still a bit puzzled why Dzeko seems to come in for such scrutiny from City fans (I’m excluding the author). As I’ve stated earlier his workrate/appetite is excellent, as is his movement off the ball (look at his first chance against United in the derby:he presented himself as an outlet on the right touchline, laid the ball off, and then made 40 yard diagonal run for a chance in the box that narrowly went wide, I point this out because his movement created the chance).
Game in, game out, I see him make intelligent runs and take up the right positions. He also has provided some excellent passes that seem to have gone under the radar. What impresses me the most is that he’s always looking to play off his teammates and he scores even when things are not coming off for him. I’m not saying he should not be subjected to constructive criticism, just that he should be held to the same standards as everyone else. Aguero missed an absolute sitter against wolves and has not been playing anywhere near his abilities but I’ve yet to see him come for in for some of the criticism levelled at Dzeko.
I guess what I’m asking is for City fans to be a bit more grounded with their expectations. Both Dzeko and Aguero work hard and play for the team and as the author points out, seem to be starting to form a good understanding with each other. That can only bode well for City.