Costel Pantilimon – 6 In the absence of Joe Hart, Manchester City’s Romanian goalkeeper has impressed in the games that he had played in so far this season. However, this time around, he did not have enough luck as his defenders let him down and he could hardly do anything to keep the opposition out. To his credit, he saved a well taken penalty from Wayne Rooney, however, the England international struck in the rebound.
Micah Richards – 9 This man turned in a superb performance in the evening. He started at the right back slot where he took care of the wingers before shifting to central defense following the sending off of Vincent Kompany. He looked a natural there and later on in the dying moments of the game, Richards was also deployed as a center forward where he caused some problems for Rio Ferdinand.
Vincent Kompany – 4.5 The Manchester City skipper was stupid enough to make a two-footed lunge on Nani in the 12th minute of the game that ended his evening. Whether he got the ball or not does not make any difference after a tackle like that.
Joleon Lescott – 6 The City defense was in shambles in the first half of the game and this man was largely responsible for United’s opener. He was supposed to be marking Wayne Rooney – who leapt above everyone else to score.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 6 Kolarov had a terrible first half in which he simple could not keep up with the pace and movement of Antonio Valencia and made a horrible challenge on Welbeck inside the box, which led to the penalty. In the second half though, he recovered well as he struck in the 48th with a beautiful free-kick which went past Lindegaard.
Nigel De Jong – 7 Had a first half to forget as he could not keep up with his opponents. After the break though, he started to impose himself at the center making some good challenges to win the ball back for City.
James Milner – 8 This man is probably Manchester City’s best buy in the last couple of years. Was brilliant and energetic all night. Was excellent as right back after the dismissal of Kompany.
David Silva – 8 Manchester City’s main attacking threat in the first half was taken off by Mancini in the 46th minute of the game. A strange decision which shows that Mancini thought the game was lost at half-time.
Adam Johnson – 7 Like the Spaniard, his substitution in the 46th minute was a strange one particularly because he gave plenty of problems to Patrice Evra in the first half. Was a lively presence for City in the middle before being withdrawn by Mancini.
Samir Nasri – 1 Did he get hold of the ball more than a couple of times in the match? For me, he is not justifying the hefty sum that City paid for him in the summer. A disappointing presence at the center.
Sergio Aguero – 9.5 This man had a terrific match against United the other day. Although he was playing by himself up-front, the Argentine international showed a lot of guile and class that befitted the 40 million odd that City paid for him. A good goal too to put the scores at 3-2.
Substitutes
Stefan Savic – 8.5 Savic did not have many opportunities to show what he can do before this match. However, he was absolutely brilliant on the day. This lad is a master at the old school style of defending and he could be a defensive great in a couple of years (provided he gets an extended run in the team).
Pablo Zabaleta – 7.5 There is only one way of describing his performance after coming on for City. Rock Solid in defence and dangerous in attack. Period.
Owen Hargreaves – N/A