Manchester City vs Chelsea: Player Ratings

A Manchester City draw, against the league’s thus-far strongest side, is a good result: but avoiding sounding like a whingey little child, I can’t help but think that it wasn’t fair. Chelsea were a formidable side to face, but Man City outplayed them to an extent, and I can’t help but think that we should have got ourselves all three points against Chelsea, before we have to face them at home next year.

Yet to come from behind, with ten men, against the strongest side in the league both defensively and record-wise, is something to look back at and be proud of.

Joe Hart: 6 – Didn’t have a whole lot to do in goal, thanks mostly to the two men in front of him. Like in the Bayern game, I felt confident that he could pull off saves for whatever came his way, despite the fact that few shots did.

Pablo Zabaleta: 7 – Pretty solid at right back; always tenacious and hungry for the ball. Hazard did cause the Argentinian a few problems pace-wise, but the fact that he never troubled Hart is a good sign of Zabba’s work. Hard done by with the red card, but his frustrated yet composed reaction showed the true extent of his commitment to Man City. Always good to see.

Vincent Kompany: 8 – We called it yesterday – Vinnie vs Costa was the main attraction in Sunday’s clash of the titans, and both sets of fans – and neutrals alike – revelled in the opportunity to witness these two powerhouses come head to head. Vinnie most definitely came out on top, hassling his Spanish rival all game, to the point where Costa began to get visibly frustrated.

As usual he was reliable under the pressure of a huge game, and commanded the back with Mangala with all the chemistry and intelligence of his partnership with Martin Demichelis.

Picture of the day – VINNIE VS COSTA

Eliaquim Mangala: 8 – Although I was hoping for the Frenchman to hit the ground running, after Demichelis’ poor start fitting into the City team, I wasn’t expecting much from Mangala immediately. But hell, he provided ‘much’.

According to Squawka’s Twitter,  Eliaquim won 100% of his aerial duels, enjoyed a 91% pass accuracy, as well as completing 4 tackles and clearances. These stats are undoubtedly impressive, yet they don’t do his performance complete justice, as his most prominent skill appears to be his ability to intercept the ball in City danger areas and pull the ball into the midfield. His pace is a force to be reckoned with too.

Aleksandar Kolarov: 6 – Often noticed more often in the attacking third than the defensive, but he still did his bit to push for a City goal. Probably due to more game time, but he’s getting more and more comfortable on the ball, even when he’s not blasting it from 40 yards. 

James Milner: 9 – City’s strongest player for the second Premier League game running. His immense work rate was evidenced in the fact even he was gasping for air come the final whistle. Milner may not be one of the big names associated with big-bucks title challengers like City, but I believe that he thoroughly deserves a starting spot in Pellegrini’s first XI every week. Not only is a tireless workhorse but he’s also enterprising on the wings and solid defensively when he needs to be.

Don’t just take my word for it:

Did well to push on and get an assist too – the win was good, but the look on Mourinho’s face when Frank Lampard finished off Milner’s cross was even better.

Yaya Toure: 7 – Don’t know whether it was all the paper talk and widespread (rightful) criticism following the Bayern game, but Yaya put in a decent shift yesterday. For one of the first times this season he made the bursting runs of pace and strength that were synonymous with the name Yaya last season, and outmuscled Cesc in midfield, and did well to compete with Matic when needed. This could be the start of Yaya’s season.

Fernandinho: 7 – Continued to make his shout for the permanent midfield position with a game as always characterised by bags of stamina and tenacity. His pace is handy when breaking up the pitch too.

David Silva: 6 – He was uncharacteristically quiet today, unable to string balls through the tightly-packed Chelsea defence, and was incredibly disappointing from the corner flag. I definitely prefer Kolarov from set pieces – he whips them in with purpose, while Silva too often hits the first man or floats them aimlessly. Will be back next week when he has more time to create.

Edin Dzeko: 6 – Still is yet to get off the mark for City, due not to his lack of trying but just a struggle to get some shots on goal. Hold up play still improving by the week but just not quite bringing his shooting boots at the minute.

Sergio Aguero: 6 – Made a few good dips and dives around Chelsea’s saturated penaty box, but couldn’t exploit his physicality against Cahill and Terry nor use his great pace as he would find himself surrounded by another three men once he gets round one.

SUBS:

Frank Lampard: 7 – Will be so much more missed when he flies off to New York following his display today. Came on as a sub and got the point Man City deserved. YESSSS.

Bacary Sagna: 6 – Not a bad back up right back to have. Played decently well, but still will never hold a candle to Zabba.

Jesus Navas: 6 – Pace was welcomed in a game slowed down by Chelsea’s ‘small team’ tactics. Always better when on as a sub rather than starting.