Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-0 Stoke

Last updated : 26 December 2009 By Dan Buxton

Thomas Sorenson - 6 - One good save right at the start of the second half. No chance with the goals and not a lot else to do

Andy Wilkinson - 7 - Subbed off just after half time after picking up a knock. In his time on the pitch he was solid and coped well with Petrov and Robinho when faced with the wingers, knowing when to back off and when to put a foot in

Danny Collins - 6 - Left his man unmarked for the first, but was covering the missing Faye, but was helpless for the second and had a poor game distribution wise

Abdoulaye Faye - 5 - Didn't really do a lot and was at fault for the opener as he waltzed into midfield and then hardly burst a gut to get back as Petrov was left open with Collins forced to tuck inside

Danny Higginbotham - 7 - Cut out a few attacks and was impressive after retaining his place. Was again asked to step up partnering a below par Faye

Dean Whitehead - 6 - A few good crosses and passes but was largely anonymous and his workrate is wasted out wide

Matthew Etherington - 7(Man of the Match) - Always probing but with little support and luck. Never stopped trying and was the Potters best outlet by a mile

Salif Diao - 5 - Booked again and has lost that early season form. Looks in need of a rest as he is a yard too slow at present and although now suspended for York next Saturday its doubtful he would have played anyway

Glenn Whelan - 5 - Sprayed too many passes and was erratic with his tackling. Struggling to stamp his mark on games at present. Petulant handball summed up his frustration. Corners were either under or over hit

Mama Sidibe - 6 - Won a few headers but had little control over them and it was pot luck where they ended up. Replaced on the hour with Beattie

Tuncay - 6 - Had a bright start but game dropped dramatically after Given denied him in a one on one situation. Lost the ball too much and struggled with little support. First disappointing start

Robert Huth - 6 - Came on for injured Wilkinson and was mainly solid, both in defence and at building attacks but one moment with Bellamy could have seen him red carded yet again

James Beattie - 6 - Had a good half hour and went close when he forced Given into a fine save from a back post header. Decent build up play but not involved enough

Ricardo Fuller - 7 - Was a marked man as soon as he entered the pitch, being fouled straight away, and was closely marked throughout his time on the field as he twisted and turned. He won a few corners and free kicks and went close with a header