Bolton 3:3 Manchester City

Another fixture, another draw. City’s form continues to be a mystery as another local derby ended with as many questions as answers. The Blues were on the back foot for much of the first half, but two pieces of outstanding team play, saw City equalize before the half. Craig Bellamy’s sending off still remains a mystery but plenty of positive signs can be taken from this match.

Carlos Tevez has gotten beyond his early season injuries and has really broken through. Stephan Ireland, for perhaps the first time since early in the season showed the quality that made him the club’s best player last season. Sylvinho despite an advanced age, showed good understanding of Craig Bellamy’s game and prior to Welshman’s sending off, the Brazilian defender was linking up well with him.

Ultimately, however not having Nigel DeJong was a killer for City. Without the seasoned midfielder playing in front of the back four to break up opposing attacking chances, the Blues looked disorganized and at times desperate. Vincent Kompany’s performance was about as poor as I can recall from the Belgian International.

Despite the negatives, a victory at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, would put City in great position to crack the top four by Boxing Day. City has two less loses than anyone in the league, but with eight draws, the side still is having trouble learning how to win.

PLAYER RATINGS:

Given   6

Richards 4

Toure  6

Lescott 6

Sylvinho 6

Barry  5

Kompany 4

SWP  6

Ireland 8

Robinho 6

Tevez 8

Adebayor 6

Santa Cruz 5

Bellamy 6