Manchester City 0 Manchester United 1 : Player Ratings

The Manchester City fans were ready and well prepared but unfortunately the team were not.

There is no other way of looking at this game than as a disappointing defeat for Manchester City in a match against inferior opposition. In the grand scheme of poor performances so far this season it is not clear where this one ranks, but the nature of this defeat was jarring, as too many players were sub standard.

Much has been made in the press in recent days of Pep Guardiola imploring City fans to turn up and make some noise. We did, but the team failed to do so, instead putting in an insipid performance where just a handful of players were forced to carry everyone else.

With games coming thick and fast City need to quickly do two things. Firstly, shake off this lethargy and return to the high pressing game which has earned us nearly 200 points in 2 seasons. Secondly, find a first 11 and stick with it to give the players chance to build some confidence and momentum.

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Right now the only player afforded a regular starting berth is Raheem Sterling and at this time it appears to be more out of pity than form.

Whilst it is true City achieved passage to Wembley to compete in the Carabao Cup Final against Aston Villa on March 1st, it was done in the least awe inspiring manner imaginable. Another performance like this in the Final and our hopes of lifting the trophy for the 3rd successive year will be over.

After watching the match live in the stadium and again on TV, it is time to award the player ratings and pick a Man of the Match. There are some harsh truths which should be heard by the team as we head towards the end of the season. We start by looking at the defensive unit.