Player Ratings: Manchester City 1-0 Tottenham

Rarely tested by a powderpuff Tottenham strikeforce but made a superb scrambling save to keep out a Pienaar header just after the break.

Back from injury and produced a strong defensive display, giving Spurs very few opportunities to attack down City's right. Rarely ventured forward.

Beaten for pace by Lennon early on but produced a generally solid performance that included some well-timed challenges.

Mixed display from the Argentine as he made some very good challenges on Lennon but was also beaten easily at times by the Spurs winger. Replaced in the 57th minute after suffering a nose injury as he was caused by a stray arm from Crouch.

Seemed fired up early on for the challenge against rookie full-back Danny Rose but was not at his terrorizing best. Played some neat and clever passes, especially to Richards and Milner.

Held his position well and produced robust challenges - although he did lose track of Spurs players on a few occasions in the first-half.

Sliced an early effort wide from 25 yards when he should have done better and seemed to be playing within himself for much of the game as he struggled to free himself of the attentions of Sandro.

Created the own-goal as he was alert enough to see the opportunity for the short corner and delivered an excellent low ball that Crouch put in to his own net. Workmanlike and industrious in central midfield.

The spark of class for City in the final third as he picked the ball up in pockets of space and played incisive passes. Neat cutback created an excellent chance for Dzeko and the little Spaniard smashed just over the bar himself from 25 yards.

The Bosnian certainly seems to be playing with more confidence than earlier in the season and showed he is adapting to the physical side of English football by winning his fair share of headers against Gallas. Few sights on goal but struck an excellent chance too close to Cudicini from inside the penalty area.

The Italian finally got his chance due to an injury to Heurelho Gomes and produced a sharp reaction save to deny Dzeko in the first-half and a late stop to keep out a Tevez effort. Could do nothing about the City goal and always looked reliable.

The Croatian received a smattering of boos on his return to his former club but responded with a strong performance as he defended well in one-on-one situations and got forward to support Lennon at every opportunity.

A more comfortable evening than the Tottenham captain might have expected. Strong in the air and covered well to read danger but lack of pace exposed on one or two occasions.

In the wars as he went down and required treatment no less than three times before he was finally replaced in the 88th minute. Got tight to Dzeko and did a reasonable job, although he did lose a few headers. Excellent late clearance off the line to deny Vieira.

A very mature display from the youngster up against a tricky customer in Johnson. Gave absolute commitment, showed good anticipation and had the energy and pace to keep going forward.

Always looked the visitors' most dangerous attacking outlet with his pace as he looked to take on Zabaleta and then Kolarov. Also able to produce the final pass, creating excellent chances for Modric and Pienaar.

Back in the side after an injury lay-off and never seemed to be with the pace of the game as he allowed City players to run from midfield. Substituted just after the City goal in the 32nd minute with an apparent re-occurrence of his knee problem.

The Brazilian was once again hugely impressive as he used his strength and athleticism to dominate the midfield. Some excellent tackles in the first-half were matched by driving runs after the break as Spurs went on the attack.

Showed he is a class act with clever and efficient use of the ball and some lovely link-up play. Forced to play deeper after Palacios' injury and therefore had fewer opportunities to open up the City defense in the final third. Missed wonderful chance to give Spurs the lead but stroked his effort just wide.

A neat and tidy display from the Dutchman as he operated in between City's midfield and their defense. Unfortunately for the visitors, he was well off the mark with shots from outside the penalty area.