Sunday, 14 March 2010

Sunderland Player Ratings

Given 6.
Despite a lot of Sunderland pressure in the first half, didn't have much to test him. A little flat footed for goal if being very critical, but didn't have much chance.

Richards 5.
Offered something going forward but looked a little lost defensively with Malbranque (who is always a threat against City). Could have done more to stop his cross for the goal.

Kompany 7.
A bit mixed, but reads the game very well and made some strong challenges and interceptions.

Lescott 8.
Very strong at the back. Beginning to look worth the £24million!

Bridge 6.
Only lasted half and hour.

Zabaleta 6.
Played in three positions. Fought as you'd expect him too and strong at full-back.

De Jong 6.
Some crunching tackles but unable to influence the game as much as usual.

Barry 7.
The most attack minded of a defensive midfield and caused a bit of a nuisance going forward. Seems to be moving a little more freely again.

Wright-Phillips 4.
Hasn't helped himself in bid for contract and World Cup place. Offered little going forward and chose completely the wrong option with a good chance in the second half.

Bellamy 6.
Didn't always come off for him. Worked hard but was matched for pace by Hutton - limiting his output.

Tevez 6.
Looked off the pace. Some nice touches and through balls, but ultimately well dealt with by Mensah and Turner.

Subs:

Santa Cruz 6 (on 33mins for Bridge).
Gave the side the extra-dimension it needed, but looks like what he is: a talented player who hasn't played regular football for almost two years. Guilty of a wasteful finish.

Vieira 7 (on 64mins for Richards).
Improved after his long absence. Picked out some nice passes, made a couple of top-notch tackles, but sometimes caught on the ball. Still needs to reacclimatise, but a promising cameo.

Johnson 8 (on 73mins for Wright-Phillips).
Within minutes of coming on looked a threat. Beautiful strike for equaliser and perhaps the only player today who produced real quality in the final third.


My Man of the Match: Joleon Lescott.

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