Manchester City: Man for man marking

 

Will Unwin
Tuesday 22 November 2011 20:00 EST
Comments
Mario Balotelli had a mixed night despite being on the scoresheet
Mario Balotelli had a mixed night despite being on the scoresheet (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Joe Hart

Should have done better with both goals. Got a strong hand to the second, but not good enough to keep it out. 6/10

Pablo Zabaleta

Picked for his defensive qualities, meaning he will be disappointed not to have stopped cross for Cavani's second. Rarely ventured forward. 6

Vincent Kompany

Flustered by the pace and movement around him. Gave the strikers too much space to work in, which cost his side. 6

Joleon Lescott

The calmest of City's defence throughout, while others lost their heads. Stayed strong when the opposition ran at him. 7

Aleksander Kolarov

Eager to get forward, but frequently found himself out of position as Napoli played on the break. His delivery lacks consistency. 5

Nigel de Jong

In the team to shield the centre-backs, but did not get close enough to Hamsik, allowing him easy link-ups with his strikers. 5

Yaya Touré

Let Cavani run across him for the goal. Offered good protection for the defence, but the weighting of his forward passes was poor. 6

James Milner

Always a willing runner while his midfield partners sat back. Popped up across the pitch to add thrust to attacking moves. 7

David Silva

Struggled to get into the game when out on the right, but was more influential when he moved inside. Passing not at its clinical best. 6

Mario Balotelli

Put himself in the perfect position for an easy tap-in. Repeatedly wanted to do too much when he had better options around him. 6

Edin Dzeko

His touch and decision-making were off the pace from the start. Didn't receive the delivery he thrives on, with chances at a premium. 4

Best off the bench

Sergio Aguero Added some impetus, but not enough for City. 4

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in