CandH ratings man Niall McDonald has had a busy season having to hand out marks amid a lot of dross and the odd high moment – notably from one particular player. Here Niall gives his ratings on each one of the Irons over the entire campaign
Hart – Trying to restore his reputation and maintain his position as England’s #1 at our place was always high-risk, and so it proved. Two great displays at Palace and Chelsea didn’t offset a number of howlers. His stint perhaps summed up by Rooney firing the ball back over his head from the halfway line at Goodison 5
Adrian – Fan favourite struck it lucky coming back into the side behind the new improved Moyes defence at the Etihad and kept the jersey until March. Not infallible either but appears to have more rapport with the defenders and pulled off some miraculous saves 6
Reid – Season effectively ended by injury in January. Had started to look a little creaky prior to Christmas 5
Ogbonna – Excels in a back-three and stepped up to the responsibility of marshalling Rice and Cresswell. Special mention of the winner at Wembley against Spurs 7
Cresswell – Short of the up-and-down energy of a few seasons ago. Given a new lease of life in the back-three where he has generally defended well 7
Rice – One of the unquestionable highlights of the season. Tremendous effort at the Etihad kicked off a run to becoming a genuine first-team regular. Made mistakes as you’d expect but got over them. Shows the other youngsters the level they need to be at to play in this league 8Collins – A rare goal at Bournemouth on Boxing Day in what could be his final season for the club. Magnificent reception when he came on against Everton. If he goes he leaves great memories of effort and commitment. 5
Zabaleta – Used his defensive nous to offset his lack of pace. Made an unexpectedly impressive appearance in central midfield against Palace. Racked up the most minutes played by any player 6
Masuaku – Can’t ignore his disgraceful sending off at Wigan – keeping him out for 6 matches at a crucial time. Before his moment of madness Moyes had released Arthur as a jinking, fast-dribbling wing-back capable of getting us up the pitch and threatening opposition defences 7
Obiang – I don’t think may would have had him down as ‘Goal of the Season’ winner, but his effort at Wembley caught everyone by surprise. Suffered a nasty injury at Wigan and nice to see him back before the end of the season. Will need to speed his passing 6
Noble – I watched the skipper subbed after an hour on the opening day and wondered if he was nearing the end of the road. Responded to the Moyes fitness regime. A hugely difficult season reached a low when he faced-up to pitch invaders and a well deserved high with his tremendous goal securing safety 7
Kouyate – Obiang’s injury meant Cheik and Nobes have played lot of vital games together. No faulting his effort and bravery 6
Fernandes – Another who suffered a long-term injury, the youngster has grown physically and is showing more presence in recent games 5
Jaoa Mario – A January window signing who was actually ‘good’!! Took a little while to work out you have to run around a lot and put your foot in over here, but by the season end was linking up very well with Lanzini and Arnautovic 7
Lanzini – Another who has improved under Moyes, adding a work-ethic and positional diligence to his game 8
Antonio – Injury-hit season. At a bit of a crossroads I think. Not a wing-back, or out and out striker, will be interesting to see where he fits in next term 5Hernandez – Been such a peripheral figure it’s easy to forget he scored eight goals. That said, this was always a risky signing given how rarely we get the ball into the box. Not ideal preparation for the World Cup! 5
Carroll – Long-term injury: tick; Some important goals: tick; Bit of decent hold-up play: Tick. Standard AC season 5
Arnautovic – Hammer of the Year. Fan’s Hero. Tormentor of Mark Hughes. Led the line superbly on his own for five months. Scored 11 goals. Imagine what he could do if he tries for a whole season?!! 9
Honourable Mentions:
Sakho – Sulked and jogged his way to a move back to France. Kept Slav in a job for a month with the last-kick winner against Swansea
Ayew – Who says there’s no good business to be done in January?! Selling him back to Swansea was a master-stroke
Fonte – Shipping Jose off to China was an even more miraculous piece of wheeling and dealing
Evra – One departing veteran defender was replaced by an even more veteran defender. An emergency replacement for suspended Masuaku
Hugill – A shock signing on deadline day. Racked up a grand total of 22 minutes from the bench. How many more will he get?
Fair ratings.
Agree with most of them but never thought I would say this for me Noble deserves an 8 for his resilience and rallying of the troops, Ogbonna also has been our best defender so like Rice deserves a high score 7.5, Zabaletta for me is an 8 incredibly dependable gives 100% every game.
Spot on re Zabaleta no. 32