Francesco Totti became the oldest player to score in the Champions League as he helped Roma to a 1-1 draw at Manchester City.
Sergio Agüero initially gave the hosts the lead after a clumsy foul from Maicon within five minutes of kick-off, but Totti and Roma responded well and went on to dominate the match.
Do you agree with our ratings? Have your say in the comments below!
Manchester City
Joe Hart – 6 – Untested
For all Roma’s dominance, they failed to put pressure on the recently under-fire City goalkeeper. Saved well from Gervinho in the first half and later in the second.
Pablo Zabaleta – 5.5 – Unimpressive
It may not be saying a lot to state that Zabaleta was the best performer in City’s back line, but relative to his fellow defenders he had a good day.
Vincent Kompany – 5 – Uncertain
Stepped up to allow Totti space to run into for the goal. It would be unfair to delegate him with all of the blame for the goal but reasonable to expect better from a seasoned defender.
Martin Demichelis – 5 – Slow
Clearly not on the same wavelength as his centre back partner and this was highlighted by the goal they conceded. Kompany stepped out while Demichelis played Totti onside allowing him to progress and dink past Hart.
Gael Clichy – 5 – Weak
Dominated by Maicon for the duration of the match; nutmegged by Pjanic and outran by Gervinho time and time again. A poor night all round for the French full back.
Jesús Navas – 5.5 – Absent
Offered little support to Zabaleta on the right and City looked a much sturdier unit when Milner came on to replace the Spaniard.
Fernandinho – 6 – Alone
Like Zabaleta in defence, Fernandinho was a stand out performer in a poor midfield performance. Pressed when in possession by a highly energetic Roma midfield and failed to really impact the game.
Yaya Touré – 5 – Uninterested
As is said of him quite often, Touré didn’t seem as though he wanted to be there tonight. Must take a large chunk of responsibility for the goal when he switched off and allowed a lot of space in the middle of the pitch.
David Silva – 6.5 – Lively
A rare good performance on a poor night for the English champions. Showed his best after the introduction of Lampard and tactical switch to 4-3-3 which saw him move into a more advanced position with less defensive responsibilities. His pass led to the penalty being awarded.
Sergio Agüero – 6.5 – Threatening
Probably the Citizens best player on the night as he looked to get at Manolas and Yanga-Mbiwa. Made the Roma back line work but was left isolated by his inconspicuous teammates.
Edin Dzeko – 5.5 – Anonymous
The Bosnian striker was largely absent for the majority of the time he spent on the pitch. Granted, he’s not alone in that but he offered nothing to his side before he was replaced by Frank Lampard ten minutes into the second half.
Substitutes
Frank Lampard – 6 – Upgrade
Early second half sub for Dzeko and was an immediate improvement. Looked to involve himself whenever City were in possession and gave Roma’s midfield trio something different to think about.
Stefan Jovetic – No Rating
A late sub for City’s goalscorer on the night, did little of note with the exception of a ridiculously ambitious long range strike which went haplessly off target. Not much time to influence proceedings.
James Milner – 6 – Reinforcing
Half-time replacement for Navas who was often exposed by the marauding Maicon, the introduction of Milner reduced the threat of the Brazilian while not completely nullifying his impact.
Roma
Lukasz Skorupski – 6 – Unsettled
Standing in for the injured Morgan De Sanctis, the Polish shot-stopper would have preferred a quieter introduction to Champions League football but was forced to face a penalty within four minutes of kick off. He looked shaky as the game progressed with his distribution in particular requiring a lot of improvement.
Maicon – 6.5 – Matured
The Brazilian full back had a shaky start against his former club and will have been grateful to the referee for only showing a yellow card after he brought Agüero to the ground which resulted in the aforementioned Argentine striker convert from the penalty spot. As the game progressed he calmed down and really influenced the game in both an attacking and defensive sense. Always involved himself as his side pushed on and rattled the crossbar with an effort himself. I would have given a higher rating had he not been responsible for his side falling behind.
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa – 6.5 – Solid
The on-loan Newcastle defender never looked like allowing City to score. His partnership with Manolas was convincing while being relatively untested.
Kostas Manolas – 6.5 – Stable
It would seem unfair to rank either of Roma’s central defenders more favourably than the other. The Greek defender may have given away a penalty when the ball struck his hand in the box but the referee decided to award a corner for the hosts instead where a penalty would have been unjust.
Ashley Cole – 6.5 – Experienced
The former Champions League winner showed his know how with a solid defensive performance in an overall solid unit. The Premier League side were granted few opportunities to attack Roma’s deputy keeper and the defence might well feel aggrieved that their attacking teammates couldn’t seal the victory given their dominance.
Radja Nainggolan – 7 – Complete
The Belgian midfielder continued his fine form this season with an accomplished performance. Satisfying to see him perform to the same level against one of Europe’s top teams. Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman may well struggle to reintegrate into the side if Nainggolan maintains this level of performance. Tenacious and strong-willed without the ball while remaining calm and graceful when in possession. Well on his way to becoming one of the most complete midfielders in world football. Provided a glorious assist to Totti’s equaliser.
Seydou Keita – 7.5 – Qualified
The former Barcelona midfielder showed his experience for a relatively inexperienced Champions League side. Off the ball he was industrious and tireless as he pressed the City midfield and in possession he looked calm and composed. His teammates will no doubt appreciate the Malian’s sophisticated performance.
Miralem Pjanic – 6.5 – Graceful
The Bosnian midfielder offered a lot more than his opposing compatriot. He was an integral part to almost every Roma attack and assisted the assist for Totti’s goal with a fine pass in midfield to Nainggolan.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6 – Extinguisher
His threat in an attacking sense was largely nullified by his defensive work rate. Seemed preoccupied with containing City’s advancing full backs rather than causing them problems.
Francesco Totti – 7.5 – Evergreen
If ever there were a man to be compared to a fine wine it is certainly Francesco Totti. He seems to get better with age and it is almost difficult to believe that Il Capitano is north of 38-years-old. He strolled around the pitch in an almost domineering manner as if it were his own personal garden. An accomplished performance all round from the seasoned Italian capped off by a delightful dink over Joe Hart to draw his side level in the first half. Replaced by Iturbe with 20 minutes left to play.
Gervinho – 6 – Excited
The Ivorian always looked troublesome and keen to involve himself in any attack Roma put together but showed signs of his Premier League days as he lacked composure as he approached the vital moments. Threatened with his pace but failed to utilise this to full effect.
Substitutes
Juan Iturbe – No Rating
Came on to replace his captain, Totti, who made his Roma debut before Iturbe was born. With just 20 minutes of action to base a rating on, Iturbe didn’t do enough good or bad for me to give him a fair evaluation.
José Holebas – No Rating
Late replacement for Florenzi, left with less than ten minutes to influence the game.
Vasilis Torosidis – No Rating
Replaced Maicon in the dying moments of the game.
