We rate the players in the game between Manchester City and Chelsea at the City of Manchester stadium.

By Abhishek Mehrotra

Manchester City

Shay Given - 7

Became City's hero by denying Frank Lampard a late penalty. Other than a Drogba strike early on, was rarely troubled in the game.

Joleon Lescott - 6

Was one of City's better performers on the night, keeping Nicolas Anelka quiet for large periods.

Kolo Toure - 7.5

Settled in superbly after a shaky beginning. Shackled his countryman Didier Drogba more effectively than most defenders have managed to do this season.

Wayne Bridge (off 76') - 6

Was fairly incisive going forward and easily nullified Ballack's threat. A sickening collision late in the game forced him to be stretchered off.

Micah Richards (off 69') - 7.5

Staked his claim for an England birth with a fine performance. Was strong in the air, clearing balls with authority and constantly posed the Chelsea defence a threat from dead balls.

Gareth Barry - 4

Not the best of days for the midfielders. Was to blame for Chelsea's goal by letting Michael Ballack slip past him.

Nigel De Jong - 8.5

City's player of the day. Broke up Chelsea's play down the centre on numerous ocassions and never let any of their famed midfielders settle on the ball.

Carlos Tevez - 8

Showed why Fergie made a mistake in letting him go. Was at his harrying best and cherried his cake with a sublime freekick that wrongfooted Petr Cech completely.

Robinho (off 90') - 6

Showed occasional flashes of brilliance, but was most impressive going back. Helped out his defence and got them out of many hairy situations.

Shaun Wright-Phillips - 5

Had an unusually quiet game.

Emmanuel Adebayor -7

He is known to blow hot and cold. Against Chelsea, he blew hot; especially after conceding an unfortunate own goal. Brought his side back on par and put in a hard-working shift at the back.

Substitutes

Nedum Onuoha - 3.5

Was very fortunate not to be the villain of the piece today. Upended Drogbe to give away the penalty and had Given to thank for saving him the blushes.

Vincent Kompany - 5.5

Repelled late Chelsea attacks when the Blues were going for broke.

Pablo Zabaleta - n.a

Chelsea

Petr Cech - 4.5

Was commanding from corners but could have done better with Tevez's free kick. Was also bailed out by Ricardo Carvalho when he misjudged a Wright-Phillips cross.

John Terry - 3

Had one of his worst games in recent memory. Was inexplicably poor in the air and was also skinned quite often.

Ricardo Carvalho - 4.5

Made a heroic save after Cech was stranded, but was pedestrian otherwise.

Ashley Cole - 6.5

The best of Chelsea's defence on the night. Shut out City's at the back and gave Chelsea much needed width going forward.

Branislav Ivanovic - 4

City took advantage of his poor form by constantly bombing in balls from his flank. Looked more comfortable when he moved into a central position.

Michael Essien - 4

Had a poor game. Was overshadowed in midfield by De Jong and gave the ball away on too many occasions.

Deco - 4

Another midfielder who could not contend with De Jong's brilliance. His normally brilliant passes were absent - rendering him useless for most of the match.

Frank Lampard - 5

Linked up with Ashley Cole on the flank quite well, but could not conjure up anything special.

Michael Ballack - 6

Set up Chelsea's goal with some clever play but faded away after that.

Didier Drogba - 5

After soaring for so many matches, the Ivorian was finally brought down to earth. City cut off the supply and the big striker was left frustrated for large periods.

Nicolas Anelka - 4.5

Like his striking partner, was just not good enough on the day to break down the heroic City defence.

Substitutes

Juliano Belletti - 4

A horrific challenge on Bridge was his standout contribution.

John Mikel Obi - 5

Came out to inject some pace down the right but was kept in check by Barry and De Jong.

Florent Malouda - n.a