CandH Facebook Group member Sergey Novysh returns to the ratings game for us on a deeply worrying afternoon at the London Stadium
Adrian: Couldn’t be blamed for a couple of goals, and made some great saves. There was some poor distribution however, and there’s no question we need a top drawer operator between the sticks 6
Rice: Another game to forget. Bad luck with an own goal incident, Adrian’s touch on cross leaving him helpless but that was followed by a couple of really bad mistakes. Tried really hard, but it wasn’t enough today. 4
Ogbonna: Even keeping in mind, that ManCity’s frontline is a nightmare for any defender in the world it wasn’t Oggy’s best performance today. 5
Cresswell: Scored a wonderful free-kick, but lost almost all duels vs Sterling. Most of the danger came from his flank. 4.5
Zabaleta: Didn’t look as shaky and nervous as the rest of our defence. Saved us on a couple of occasions and didn’t give up like most of the players. 6
Kouyate: Pretty anonymous . Looked lost. 4
Noble: Tried to play tough guy from the start, deserves an assist for Cresswells goal (for moving the wall). But was too slow and uninventive most of the time. Cant fault his attitude though. 5
Evra: Couldn’t be blamed for an own goal, but didn’t cover himself in glory today. 4
Fernandes: You have to wonder why our manager made him an automatic starter. Produced one good run, which led to Cresswell goal, but wasn’t involved much in the game afterwards. 4
Lanzini: Had a few good touches in the first half, but faded in the second and made a terrible mistake, followed by City’s goal. 5
Arnautovic: Singlehandedly created an opportunity and scored a wonderful goal, which was mistakenly disallowed. Played a lone striker most of the time with absolutely no service. Tracked back till the very end. Gave his boots to a young fan. Pure class. 7
SUBS:
Hernandez: I know your thought are elsewhere but you’re still getting big salary here, maybe at least try to run instead of walking? 3
Mario: Little better than Hernandez , no impact whatsoever 4
Masuaku: Few runs and poor crosses 4
The full responsibility for that defeat lies with the negative approach of the management team with the team selection. I have seen enough of the likes of Evra, Cresswell, Fernandez and even Noble at this stage. I have no idea what Moyes was doing selecting Evra, Fernandez has offered nothing out wide. Play him through the middle as Noble legs are gone. We must go for the win at Leicester and if Moyes again portraits his negative attitude then he needs to be shown the door before the united game. I would play Hernandez up top with Arnie and Lanzini either side. I would play Adrian in goals, Zaba and Arthur two wing backs. I would like to see Kouyate with Hernandez in the middle. At the back move Ogbanna to the left side with Reid and Collins, drop Cresswell.
Exactly my feelings in my match report reaction piece. Worse than the Fat Man
I have kept quiet about Noble since Xmas but enough is enough . A headless chicken would actually contribute more . Evra and Noble on the same pitch as De Bruyen and Jesus . Are you sure . The management of the club is to blame . Noble has not changed for 2 seasons ,,,how could he get worse ?? but no genuine attempt to replace him has been made . We have not had a decent pair of full backs for 5 years . Arnie will leave whatever happens as he is far to good for this group of players a la Payet . My God , what a mess .