Manchester City 0-0 Everton – Player Ratings
- Rhodri Cannon
- @RhodriCannon
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Everton were resolute and perhaps a tad fortunate to leave the Etihad Stadium with a point, as a strong defensive display from Roberto Martinez’s men kept Manchester City at bay.
The game ended 0-0, the Blues gave as good as they got in the first half but in the second period the Citizens dominated, but they couldn’t find a way past Tim Howard and co.
A well-earned point for the Toffeemen, who showed the footballing world that they CAN defend, when they feel like it.
Click below for our player ratings.
Tim Howard - 8 (MOTM)
Yeah, you read that right.
Tim Howard has faced a barrage of criticism for his subpar performances this season, but today he made some very good saves which kept his side in the game.
He was calm, dependable and turned in arguably his best performance this season.
Well done, Tim.
John Stones - 6
Played out-of-position due to the scarcity of available right-backs, Stones had some iffy moments but also made some very good defensive contributions.
His passing was poor in the final third and he was lucky not to concede a penalty late on, but the 21-year-old showed courage to stay on after suffering a heavy knock.
Phil Jagielka - 7
The captain’s presence had a huge effect on the rest of the defence, and perhaps his calming effect had an influence on Howard’s improved performance.
He was strong, authoritative, commanding in the air and didn’t make any mistakes. A solid display from Jagielka.
Ramiro Funes Mori - 6.5
The Argentine was showcasing his scars from the Dagenham and Redbridge clash, but for the most part he dealt with the threat of the potential champions.
There were a couple of occasions where his compatriot, Sergio Aguero, got the better of him, and he could’ve communicated better with his teammates at times, but the 24-year-old made more than his fair share of clearances and blocks and can be proud of his display.
Leighton Baines - 7
Baines dealt with the threat of Navas superbly, he distributed intelligently and didn’t really put a foot wrong. Wasn’t a huge offensive presence but was impressive nonetheless.
Muhamed Besic - 7.5
Probably Everton’s best player in the first half. Always found a teammate with his passes and carried out some excellent third man runs. The Bosnian threw in some thunderous challenges as well, but that’s par for the course for the adored 23-year-old.
Gareth Barry - 8
Covered so much ground, made so many blocks, disrupted De Bruyne and Toure and passed it neatly. Barry is having an excellent season.
Leon Osman - 6
Eyebrows were raised when Osman was picked to start at the Etihad, but he helped the Blues maintain a foothold in the first half and almost scored a corker of a volley. Tired visibly in the second half, but not a bad shift from the veteran.
Ross Barkley - 6.5
Impressive in spells in the first half, but didn’t have much of an impact in the second as Everton were largely under pressure.
His ability to turn and create space for himself is unique, but he wasn’t at his influential best as City dominated the second half.
Gerard Deulofeu - 6
Deulofeu had the beating of Clichy but he didn’t exploit the Frenchman enough. The Catalonian played a couple of delicious through balls for Lukaku but his crossing was a little erratic and was replaced by Kone.
Romelu Lukaku - 6
Didn’t see a lot of the game and wasn’t provided with excellent service, but the big Belgian could’ve done a little bit better with the chances that went his way. It wasn’t a game that Everton’s attackers could flourish in, though.
Substitutes
Steven Pienaar – 6.
Put in a shift defensively and bought some fouls when Everton were under the cosh.
Arouna Kone – N/A.
Didn’t really get involved.