Player Ratings: Stoke 3-0 Brighton

Last updated : 21 February 2011 By Dan Buxton

Thomas Sorensen - 7 - Had very little to do, until the last few minutes, but was solid and mever looked in any danger of giving up that clean sheet

Marc Wilson  - 8 - Great cross for Walters goal, was solid in defence at right back and got forward well. Passing was good and staking a claim to make that position his own

Danny Pugh - 7 - Solid and dependable but didn't offer the same attacking threat as Wilson but no errors

Ryan Shawcross - 7 - Kept the defence tight and allowed very little opportunity for the opposition, got himself off the mark for the season with the third

Robert Huth - 7 - Again let nothing past and made it look easy as Brighton failed to get anby clear sights of goal.

Jermiane Pennant - 8(Man of the Match) - Was full of running and produced a superb corner for the third goal. Many other great crosses and passing that caused all sorts of problems for the visitors. Bang on form at the minute

Matthew Etherington - 7 - Started well and was causing problems before his hamstring tightened and he was subbed off as a precautionary.

Rory Delap - 8 - Got stuck in and won the ball on numerous occasions. Pressed the midfield well and also got the ball out wide when in possession allowing the wingers to get the ball in the danger area.

Glenn Whelan - 6 - Only City player who struggled as his touch evaded him and he gave the ball away in the midfield. Effort was always there and he pressed the Brighton midfield well but couldn't do much when in possession.

Jon Walters - 8 - Scored the second, assisted the third and was crucial to the win as he, Carew and the wingers pressed the Brighton defence forcing them backwards and not allowing them the time and space needed to play the way they like to

John Carew - 8 - Scored the crucial opener and was a handful all game. Struck a great partnership with Walters and his effort and running stopped Brighton being able to pass the ball out of defence as they like to.

Ricardo Fuller - 7 - Had one shot that was into the side netting but never seemed to get into top gear. Didn't give the ball away when in possession but didn't exactly go looking for the ball after replacing Etherington

Kenwyne Jones - 6 - Is in a very bad place right now. Confidence has hit rock bottom and when he isn't scoring and making a contribution his playing style attracts criticism from supporters. Whether this helps is another matter but maybe a run leading the line, rather than sitting deep, would see a returnt to the Jones who scored for fun playing as the furthest man forward early season.

Dean Whitehead - 6 - Only came on for final couple of minutes but nearly added a fourth with a well timed run