Manchester City Player Ratings: Villarreal Away in Champions League

Villarreal CF 0 - 3 Manchester City

UEFA European Champions League

Wednesday 02 November, 19:45

Joe Hart—Will not have an easier night in the Champions League. Dealt well with the minimal threat Villarreal posed. 6

Pablo Zabaleta—Solid defensively and offensively, without ever being stretched in either department. Expect Micah Richards to return on Saturday. 6

Vincent Kompany—Villarreal rookie Joselu received no favours from the City skipper. Impressive as ever. 7

Stefan Savic—Presumably brought into the team to give him game-time ahead of Vincent Kompany’s suspension this weekend.  May be ahead of Kolo Toure in the current pecking order.  As composed as ever in his short City career. 7

Gael Clichy—Untested defensively and not as adventurous as Aleks Kolarov when going forward, but he didn't need to be in a comfortable night for the blues. 6

Nigel de Jong—Grew into the game and imposed himself well.  Gaining fitness on the road back from injury. 7

Yaya Toure (off 74)—Afforded a more attacking role in the CL than the EPL, and profited with two smart finishes.  City’s match winner on the night, in a very impressive performance. 8

James Milner—Mr. Reliable. An impressive work-rate matched by decisive passing.  Sat deeper than usual but used possession well. 7

Samir Nasri—Allowed to blossom more once Silva left the pitch, but a difficult night overall for the Frenchman.  Still adapting to City life. 7

David Silva (off 65)—As ever, City’s best player.  His passing and work-rate was unmatched until an unfortunate back injury forced him off the pitch.  Vital to City’s trophy push this season. 8

Mario Balotelli (off 82)—Confirmed his new role as City’s principle penalty taker with a composed finish.  A quiet night by the Italian’s standard, just the one goal and one assist. 7

Substitutes

Adam Johnson (on 65)—Uneventful cameo from the in-form winger. 6

Aleksandar Kolarov (on 82)—Too late to mark

Sergio Aguero (on 74)—Came under abuse from the volatile home crowd - 6