Joe Hart: 6 – Following on from his inspired display in the Nou Camp, the Englishman was largely untroubled in today’s match. West Brom were penned back in their own half for large spells but whenever Hart was called upon, his handling was top-notch. He was also adept with his feet and got us on the front-foot.
Pablo Zabaleta: 6 – A nice game for the fan favourite to come back into after enduring a tough patch. He read the game well and as usual, provided a useful outlet on the right-hand side. His charging runs into the penalty area were a key feature in City’s game. A steady display.
Vincent Kompany: 6 – The skipper hasn’t been himself for a while now, and so it was pleasing to see him regain a fair chunk of his normal game in today’s outing. He commanded well and was more controlled in terms of his tackling and intercepting. Hopefully he can build on this performance.
Eliaquim Mangala: 7 – I was very impressed by the Frenchman, who now looks totally settled in the City backline. His strength and pace frustrated Berahino all afternoon, with the young attacker not getting a sniff in. Moreover, he also demonstrated fine composure on the ball. Solid performance.
Gael Clichy: 7 – A big chance for Clichy to shine in the absence of Kolarov and he certainly did that, conjuring up a brilliant performance at left-back. Proficient in both attack and defence, he has now become one of the Blues’ most consistent performers of late. Must get the nod over Kolarov for the rest of the season.
Fernando: 7 – The Fernando we witnessed today finally looked like the player we thought would solve a lot of the problems in midfield. Though he was not required to do much defensive work, he displayed remarkable improvements on the ball, recycling possession to good effect and providing the platform for the likes of Silva to thrive on. Capped of a commendable display by scoring the club’s 1000th goal in the Premier League.
Frank Lampard: 7 – With Yaya Toure out through injury, Lampard was handed a rare start and produced the sort of performance we all know he can deliver. Crisp, composed and controlled, his pass selection was accurate more often than not and he really stepped up in Toure’s absence. Got into some great positions and should have probably found the net at least once.
Jesus Navas: 8 – Undoubtedly one of the best performances I’ve seen from the speedy Spaniard. After a strong cameo appearance against Barcelona in midweek, Navas looked reborn today and regularly tormented his full-back. He combined deftly with Zabaleta on the right-flank and seemingly abolished his usual trend of ‘beating his full-back and going backwards’. The former Sevilla man’s pace and energy in wide areas was too much to handle. Deserved a goal for a great first half effort.
David Silva: 8 – When this man is on the ball City produce their best football and that was the case today. Some of his combination play was sensational and he brought the best out of those ahead of him. His touch, vision and end product was there for all to see today. He brought the magic today and the Blues reaped the rewards. Notched home the third and final goal in a good day’s work for City’s no.21.
Sergio Aguero: 8 – City’s shining light this season received a fair bit of flack for his display at the Nou Camp, with the Argentine missing that decisive penalty that may just have changed matters slightly. Today however, Aguero looked spurred on by that penalty miss and buzzed around the pitch tirelessly for the team. He pressed superbly and was a joy to watch at times. Desperately unlucky not to have found the net; if it wasn’t for the heroics of Boaz Myhill and the woodwork – he would have done.
Wilfried Bony: 8 – The Ivorian hasn’t exactly hit the ground running since making the move to the Etihad in January, but I think he’s been unfairly criticised after all he has come into a side who haven’t been playing well. So it was utterly refreshing today to see him put in such a complete performance, one which swung momentum in City’s favour when he dispossessed Craig Dawson (or Gareth McCauley if you’re Neil Swarbrick) for the early red card. He continued to put himself a bit, providing the perfect focal point for Aguero to play off. His touch and link-up play was excellent and he was rightly rewarded with the opening goal – a fine finish.
Subs:
Stevan Jovetic: 7 – Added flair and creativity to the forward line. Some nice movement in the final third.
James Milner: 6 – Added grit in the middle of the park.
Edin Dzeko: 6 – Largely ineffective for his short stint on the pitch.
