Re: The Deby at the Swamp Post Match Discussion Thread
A wind up,got to be.......
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Manchester United v Manchester City: how the players rated
How the teams performed in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
By Chris McKenna, at Old Trafford
10:30PM BST 08 Apr 2013
David De Gea: Despite City having the best of the first half, De Gea was not tested but the Spaniard showed his continued development by commanding his area well but beaten by Aguero at near post. 6/10
Rafael: Bombed down the right-hand side in his usual manner but did not make the most of space when he found it. A chance presented itself before half-time to get a goal, but the Brazilian hit the bar even though it seemed he did not mean it. 5
Rio Ferdinand: This was another display to show why the defender is a miss for England with his international exile. Composed, commanding and done well to help Phil Jones through the game as the pair partnered each other on a rare occasion. 7
Phil Jones: With defensive absentees, Jones found himself back in his natural position following midfield displays mainly this term, most notably against Real Madrid. His intervention to block Tevez in the first half stopped City going in front but thankful for Kompany’s back. 7
Patrice Evra: Seemed to have been kept back by James Milner’s front running and failed to make his usual impact in the opposing half. He had kept Milner fairly quiet until the England man coasted inside to open the scoring. 5
Ryan Giggs: Uncharacteristic error to gift City their opener. His play in midfield up until then had been fine, distributing balls to help start attacks and getting forward as much as possible to support attacks despite his vintage years. 6
Michael Carrick: Allowed City’s smaller players to overpower him at times but managed to get more of a grip of the game in the second half as the game progressed. Never one who shines alight, but hard-working yet again. 6
Ashley Young: Has had an indifferent season but started brightly with some good runs that troubled the City defence. But he again lacked that final killer ball to really give City problems and wasted a few shots from outside the area. 4
Wayne Rooney: Started brightly on his return from injury but seemed to fade as the game progressed. Maybe tired or lacking practice after missing two games, he did manage to link up well with Van Persie and Welbeck though so not a bad night. 6
Danny Welbeck: Not one of his finest displays but supported the attack well from a wide position. His seemingly lack of composure in the area continues to hinder him and his goalscoring tally. Failed to play Rooney in early on. 5
Robin Van Persie: Superb in-swinging free-kick to set-up United’s goal but he looked isolated at times. His work rate was high and the Dutchman does seem to be doing his best to end his goal drought but chances limited. 6
Subs not used: Antonio Valencia replaced Danny Welbeck but failed to really make an impact in his late appearance. Not his best season and his selection as a substitute proves that he is no longer a favourite.
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Manchester City
Joe Hart: Certainly at fault for United’s goal, should have come and collected the ball in what was a rather quiet night for the England number one. But on night’s like this, errors change games and it could have cost City. 5
Pablo Zabaleta: Excellent at getting forward and done reasonably well to contain Ashley Young. Maybe he could have been more decisive with crosses but it would be tough to blame him for City’s lack of cutting edge in the final third. 7
Vincent Kompany: Could do nothing about his own goal and was decent at the back as he tried to contain Van Persie. Although the Dutchman straying did cause him problems at times and a rash tackle or two could have been more costly. 6
Matija Nastasic: Has been one of City’s best players this season but not on form tonight, struggled with Rooney when he supported Van Persie and caught out of position on a number of occasions. First game at Old Trafford for City could have been intimidating. 5
Gael Clichy: Very quiet on the attacking front but had a job to do with Danny Welbeck on the right. He got caught out when the England striker strayed inside at times but not his worst display in a City shirt by no means. 6
Gareth Barry: Done well to make the most of Giggs’ error for the opening goal and solid with his defensive duties. Certainly a player who made an impact without really setting the world alight last night. 6
Yaya Toure: Fresh off his brand-new deal, Toure was his ever-assured self. Dominating defensively, he controlled possession but City do miss his attacking threat as he was restrained to stay at the back in this one. 7
James Milner: Quiet until his goal but done well to take it even though he got the help of a deflection. Maybe not always a regular, but a solid performer for Mancini. 6
David Silva: One of the best on the pitch without a doubt. Superb running as he supported Tevez, often more forward than his Argentine team-mate. Created chances and could have scored in a display that showed his best. 8
Samir Nasri: Missed a couple of good chances but his work-rate improved slightly than on recent showings. Still not one of his finest displays and certainly not near the form he showed last season or at Arsenal. 5
Carlos Tevez: Struggled at times and not at his best but worked hard up front on his own and linked well with Silva when the Spaniard presented himself at the front. Booed a lot by the home fans, but not bothered by it. 5
Substitutes: Well substitutes can change games or win them and Sergio Ageuro’s late strike after replacing Samir Nasri looked set to do just that. He had hardly touch the ball before getting through on goal and taking his chance superbly.
