---
title: "Player Ratings: Manchester City (H)"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/player-ratings-manchester-city-h/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Rhodri Cannon"
section: "Other"
published: "2015-08-23T20:51:47Z"
modified: "2015-08-23T20:52:22Z"
---

# Player Ratings: Manchester City (H)

Everton were simply outclassed at Goodison Park as Manchester City ran out deserved 2-0 winners. The Blues were naive and unadventurous, The Sky Blues were poised, robust and full of quality all over the pitch.

Here are Read Everton’s player ratings:

**Tim Howard –** The American made a few very good saves to keep Everton in the game in the first half, but his afternoon will solely be remembered for his mistake for the first goal.

What on earth was he doing? He simply had to stay big and strong to save Kolarov’s shot. But he moved out the way of the ball.

‘Goalkeepers should never be beaten at their near post’. An old and not entirely accurate cliche, but the manner in which Howard conceded was abysmal, he didn’t cover himself in glory for the killer second, either. Everton need a change between the sticks, Howard is no longer up to the task. 4

**Seamus Coleman –** Improved on his slightly rocky display at Southampton and dealt with the threat of Sterling very well.

Looked like his old self going forward, but still has a few levels to rediscover before he is the attacking force he was in Martinez’s first season. Defensively improved and tenacious, an encouraging performance from the Irishman. 7

**John Stones –** Another solid display from Stones. His temperament and mental strength have been tested to the limit this summer, but he showed no signs of distraction on the pitch.

Maybe took too long in possession on a couple of occasions, but his reading of the game and recovery pace were evident in this mature display. 7

**Phil Jagielka –** Dealt well with Aguero and did his best to lead by example and help Browning through the game.

But he played Kolarov onside for the first goal, which is a shame as it was the only thing Jags got wrong today. 6

**Brendan Galloway –** Galloway was fed to the hounds today. The youngster is a centre-half who’s having to fill in due to injuries to all our other left-backs, so to have him against Jesus Navas, Bacary Sagna and intermittently David Silva, without sufficient protection from Arouna Kone, was unfair.

Replaced before the break at half-time due to injury, but Galloway had a torrid 44 minutes and couldn’t cope with the pace and link-up play of his opponents, who were exploiting him time and again. It may be harsh, but 4.

**Gareth Barry –** Did his best to stifle Silva but the tricky Spaniard was too elusive for the 34-year-old.

Broke up play well and recycled the ball nicely, although gave away possession cheaply at times. 6

**James McCarthy –** Couldn’t get close to Yaya Toure and didn’t influence proceedings at all. McCarthy took too long on the ball and didn’t do anything when in possession, and he should’ve done better for the second goal.

The Irishman was largely ineffective and needs to justify the hefty payrise he received in his bumper new deal. Not good enough from James. 4

**Tom Cleverley –** Cleverley produced another energetic, industrious, impressive performance and is fast becoming an integral player for Everton.

He offered protection for his full-back, was tenacious in the winning the ball and delivered some excellent crosses. Here’s hoping he continues to grow and adds some goals and assists to his burgeoning Everton career.7

**Ross Barkley –** Ross looked lively and sharp on the ball, gliding past players with confidence and finesse, but his decision-making left a lot to be desired. When he did pick the right pass, the execution was poor.

Forced Joe Hart into a good save but did little else of note. 6

**Arouna Kone –** Kone didn’t carry on his form from Watford and Southampton and struggled against the behemoth that was Manchester City.

His attacking presence was limited due to the amount pressure put on by the Citizens, and he didn’t offer able cover for young Galloway. Hooked off for Steven Naismith on the hour mark after a fruitless outing, the Ivorian might well lose his spot for the trip to Tottenham. 5

**Romelu Lukaku –** The big Belgian found decent service hard to come by for large parts of the game, and while he did stretch Kompany and Mangala once or twice, City’s centre-backs marshalled him very well.

Still had a couple of decent chances, Rom had the ball in the net but was just offside, he clipped the bar with a brilliant free-kick and almost bundled the ball home when the score was still 1-0, but the display never came close to mirroring his previous one at Southampton. 6

Substitutes:

**Tyias Browning –** Looked nervous at left-back and understandably so, as the position is largely alien to him. Showed his defensive capabilities a couple of times but almost gave away a goal as he inexplicably dived in and took out John Stones, when the situation didn’t call for it. 5

**Steven Naismith –** Tried to play his teammates in with a couple of clever passes but didn’t make an impact on the game. Worked hard but looked a little off the pace in truth. 5

**Gerard Deulofeu –** N/A.