Bettor.com rates the performance of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Mancini’s men, who were unable to get the better of Ajax last night at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joe-Hart-c18699: 6.5/10
Perhaps he should have done more when De Jong chipped the ball over him for Ajax’s first goal, but all in all, Hart cannot be held responsible for the defeat. He was there when his teammates needed him and even stopped a fizzling effort in the latter stages
of the game to keep the visitors out.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vincent-Kompany-c36184: 6.5/10
The captain should have led by example but instead was far from his best as he allowed their Eredivisie counterparts to score the first goal. Needs to sure up his game quickly, or City will miss out on the Premier League title if things continue like this.
P. Zabaleta: 7.5/10
While his defensive contributions were quite limited during the ninety minutes, Zabaleta bombarded forward at every opportunity and showed his quality by curling in crosses extensively, something troubled the opposition greatly.
Gael Clichy: 7/10
A clear improvement from the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 man, who had struggled against West Ham, but looked right at home when dealing with Ajax on the flanks and also ventued forward on occasion.
Matija Nastasic: 5/10
The youngster, it seems, was overwhelmed by the occasion and let his eagerness get the better of him. Gave away an unnecessary corner that led to the first goal and switched off at key moments, which makes him more of a liability rather than a starting defender.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Samir-Nasri-c32360: 6.5/10
Given a starting role for a superb performance on the weekend, the Frenchman tried his best to influence proceedings but kept at bay for most of the game by Ajax’s defence.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javi-García-c18016: 6.5/10
Following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the ex-Benfica man was a bit rusty and never managed to connect with his teammates properly, hence his substitution with Balotelli made managerial sense.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gareth-Barry-c14423: 6.5/10
His passing lacked the necessary verve and creativity, but his work ethic and commitment to the side is commendable, although he never really made an impact on proceedings despite his consistent efforts.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yaya-Touré-c37317: 7/10
Definitely the one to blame for Ajax’s second goal, but managed to rectify the situation with a brilliantly executed volley that spurned things in City’s favour later on.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Agüero-c33032: 7.5/10
Scored the equalizer for the Sky Blues and was a constant thorn for the visitors, who struggled with his energy. Proved that it wasn’t his or Manchester City’s night after being wrongly declared offside for the winner.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carlos-Tévez-c8551: 6.5/10
While his performance at West Ham was commendable, his outing at home was rather subdued and he never really looked like finding the back of net yesterday.
Substitutes:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Aleksandar-Kolarov-c4475: 7/10
Made his way into the game late on and showed his quality by curling in two superb crosses, one of which was diverted into goal by Aguero, only to be disallowed for an incorrect offside and deprive the club of a much needed win.
Edin Dzeko: 6/10
Never had enough time to make impact, but nonetheless tried to get the all important goal by using his physicality as an asset.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mario-Balotelli-c23937: 7.5/10
One of the more creative players on the night, Balotelli was impressive throughout the game time he received and should have had a penalty after being pulled down by an Ajax defender at the very end.
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