Manchester City are the new Premier League champions, we bet that sounds good to supporters. How did their new recruits help them along the way?
Here’s our verdict…
Sergio Aguero
The Argentine was bought for £38 million, so naturally a big impact was expected. From his stunning two goal debut cameo to his title winning strike on the final day, he was absolute value for money. He made a mockery of excuses for players past, that South Americans take time to adjust to the Premier League, and if this is him adjusting, then defences should truly be worried. Realistically, he is only going to get even better, his next challenge is to replicate his excellent home form to away from home, where he was not as prolific. Grade: A
Stefan Savic
The Montenegro defender cost £6 million and unfortunately has been a big disappointment. City’s defence looked a lot more shaky with him in it than without it, and by the end of the season in the home match against Chelsea, Mancini chose to play Richards at centre-back rather than risk him. Next season he will get chances early on, and it will be up to him to prove he can be relied upon in the title run-in. Grade: D
Gael Clichy
Signed from Arsenal, Clichy had no settling into the Premier League to do, and looked assured. He competed with Alexander Kolarov for the left-back berth, and when it came to the crucial title deciders, he was first choice, creating goals as well as helping stop them. He looked vulnerable at times in the Europa League, and like City, his next task is to make an impression in Europe. He will begin next season as first choice at rightly so. We’re feeling generous enough to give him top marks. Grade: A
Samir Nasri
The man in the news, Samir Nasri, was the second player City snapped up from Arsenal last summer, for an altogether more expensive £22 million. The Frenchman never hit the heights of David Silva, but made a telling contribution at times, including goals in key matches against Tottenham and Chelsea. He was also involved in more goals than he was in his season at Arsenal last year. Now he has a winner’s medal that he craved in the bag, we should see him express himself even more next season, which can only be a good thing. Grade: B
Costel Pantilimon
The six foot eight goalkeeper was never going to be first choice, so you have to judge him on expectation rather than impact. Joe Hart is the undisputed number one, but when Pantilimon was given opportunities in cup games, he never let City down. He was particularly impressive against Arsenal in the Carling Cup and saved a penalty from Wayne Rooney in the FA Cup. Fans will not overly worry if they see his name on the teamsheet at times next season. Grade: C
Owen Hargreaves
This one just didn’t work out did it? Perhaps it was worth a gamble, when fully fit, he is a terrific player, the problem is the last time this happened was 2008. He was certainly motivated to prove United’s medical staff wrong, and it is a shame what has happened to him, but retirement surely beckons. The one highlight was his Carling Cup performance against Birmingham, where he scored a screamer, but he is yet to play a single minute in 2012. Grade: E
Do you agree with our assessment?
image: © markhillary
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