Given 7.
One large wobble on a cross, but otherwise a solid, if undemanding, display. Saved well with his legs in the second half.
Onuoha 9.
Besides his goal(s), he looked determined to stake his claim to regular football in his unfavoured right-back position. Some excellent robust challenges, intelligent runs (even if he didn't look entirely like wanting to receive the ball!), and may have had a hat-trick if it wasn't for Tevez and Bowyer!
Toure 7.
Solid performance from Kolo. Kept things simple and used his pace to act as a sweeper behind the dominant Kompany.
Kompany 8.
Led a healthy battle with the muscular Jerome and dominated it. Excellent in the air and his reading of the game is impressive. Made one mistake with a misjudged header, but reclaimed the ball straight away with a great tackle.
Garrido 6.
Great support play going forward, but completely unaware of Jerome for their goal (even if it was offside). Sometimes you can tell he is a converted left-winger.
de Jong 7.
Came in at the last minute for Vieira and despite the fear of a yellow card, he covered lots of ground and was never wasteful with the ball at his feet.
Barry 9.
An all action display from Barry today. Muted the Villa-inspired boos from the Birmingham fans and it looks like he has completely recovered his top form in time for the run-in and the World Cup.
Bellamy 8.
You could see how much he relished running at Carr and a typically high-energy performance earned him a standing ovation.
Johnson 8.
Has outstanding natural ability. Mesmerised the Birmingham full-backs with his quick feet and has an eye for a pass as well.
Tevez 8.
Stole a goal from Nedum like "a true centre-forward" and produced another fine display. Has so much confidence that you can tell he believes he can do it on his own.
Adebayor 9.
Worked very hard again and is a superb foil for Tevez's bustling energy. Scored twice, won the penalty, and his return to form has been key to completing the front four. Can dance too.
Substitutions:
Wright-Phillips (for Bellamy on 80mins) 6.
Difficult coming on for such a short amount of time and was unable to influence the game too much.
Santa Cruz (for Tevez on 87mins) N/A.
Ran around a bit, but not much chance to get involved.
Cunningham (for Johnson on 90mins) N/A.
Got a further taste, albeit a nibble, of first team football and his first in the Premier League. Six out of seven of our bench were academy graduates yesterday, a not inconsiderable sum and further evidence of Mancini's faith in the young boys.
Man of the match: Nedum Onuoha.
Very good review of the players, probably the best i've seen, keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThere have been some good, great and indifferent results this season but this one for me is our best effort yet.
ReplyDeleteWe are limbering up I feel to give the red side a good pasting at the weekend and I hope we give give them a really good bruising.
I hope the team devotes the match to Tevez who is already at Legend at City in my eyes.
We need to show Alex Ferguson that he has gotten too old and bitter now and his time is done, as so has the time of United as the continue to descend into mediocrity.