Match Reports

City Hammer Woeful Latics

|
Image for City Hammer Woeful Latics

If there was ever a football match that portrayed the catastrophic difference in quality amongst the Premier League then this was it.
The contrast in ambitions between the clubs is clear, City’s lavished squad shouldn’t face too many problems when facing a Wigan side already looking like strong relegation candidates, but the manner of defeat and lack of desire shown by the home side was alarming.

This encounter was never set for a classic; City had travelled back from Austria and was set to find out if they suffered from a European hangover and Wigan’s dire state of a football pitch only contributed to the affair being more equal than in fairness, it was. Only two chances were taken on a day where Carlos Tevez highlighted the importance of a top class centre forward, his goal and assist eased City to a comfortable victory.

After a slow start, where Wigan’s rough and ready style managed to nullify City, a goal from Carlos Tevez started the onslaught of chances and possession. The bizarre nature of the goal – resembling England’s calamitous defending against Germany – displayed more areas of much needed work for the Wigan side. When Joe Harts long goal kick somehow evaded the 10 Wigan outfield players, Carlos Tevez scurried on to the loose ball, the forward nonchalantly clipping the ball over the keepers head safely in to the back of the net.

For the remainder of the match, Wigan looked confused, desperate and a side devoid of any creative ideas. Their game plan was nothing more than to just prevent City from playing and with their Rugby style they failed to create any chances which would get them back into the fixture.

City failed to find their top gear, but on the basis of play it certainly wasn’t needed. Wigan couldn`t retain possession and the City chances were coming thick and fast due to high profile defensive mistakes. Tevez hassling was causing unbelievable headaches and again he was the architect for the second goal. After Figueroa misjudged his defensive header, some more slack defending allowed Tevez to cross perfectly for Yaya Toure who scored his first City goal.

More attacking play and a greater fluidity gave City the chance to add to their two goals but when Adam Johnsons cross come shot smashed onto the crossbar it wasn’t to be.

This certainly won’t be the difference of City mounting a title challenge or Wigan staying up, but earning three points on a ground where City usually flatter to deceive was pleasing.

Player Ratings

Joe Hart-7
Not troubled one iota. A nice assist.

Richards-7
A better performance, although he was against very poor opposition.

Toure-8
Excellent at the back when he needed to be.

Kompany-7
A quiet game for Vinny where he didnt need to excell.

Zabaleta-7
Imagine Ashley Cole or Evra playing at right back? No, me neither, thats what makes his performance more special.

De Jong-6
A strong permforance was rarely needed in his hard man role.

Yaya Toure-6
Anonymous for most of the game, but was there when needed to slot home.

Silva-8
An excellent passer and creater, turns us into a different beast.

Milner-6
A quiet but reliable afternoon.

Tevez-9
An inspirational performance fro the Captain. A goal and an assist capped a terrific all round display. How he has helped transform the side.

Barry-7
Creates space very well, his vision is needed in the middle of the park.

Johnson-5
One great deflected effort, but he didnt sparkle like normal. Deserves to start more regularly.

SWP-4
Very little time to contribute.
Too lightweight to hold up the ball as a target man. Will be surplus when other players come back.

Share this article