Match Reports

Clinical City Maintain 100% Record For Mancini

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Clinical finishes from Carlos Tevez (2) and a surprise goal for Javier Garrido ensured Roberto Mancini`s side maintained their 100% winning record over a dismal Wolves side.

After Boxing Day`s comfortable win over Stoke, Mancini took his side to the Molineux where our questionable away form was put to the test.

Anxious travelling fans made the journey towards the Midlands knowing the consistency needed to improve, a win today would have brought about our first away victory since August.

Unsurprisingly Bellamy was given the nod over luckless Robinho. The match started calmly for both sides with our approach being patient. With no target man to aim for our early attacks were due to fine, slick short passes and interchanges from the front men. The pace of Bellamy and Petrov combined with the artistry of Tevez served us well early on.

No team threatened early on in terms of chances but the midfield trio are becoming more complete as they were trading duties. The home side offered little and the defence would be hoping it stayed that way.

The first great opportunity of the half fell to Bellamy. However, the striker managed to shoot over from 6 yards past the on rushing keeper. Despite this, it wasn`t too long until we were celebrating when Tevez, the goal machine, popped up to flick in a Bellamy cross with the addition of a slight deflection.

With the professional and defensive tactics employed by Mancini this goal was vital, the players were allowed to sit back and pick off the Wolves attack, occasionally breaking with impetus.

The game was ending with a pedestrian pace, both sides accepting the 1-0 score line.

H-T 1-0

Both sides started encouragingly and were left rueing equally fine chances. First, Wolves midfielder Henry, had his side`s best chance of the game but witnessed his shot fly over.
Secondly, Bellamy, the heartbeat of the City attack, should have added to his impressive goals tally but poked his shot wide.

The tempo began to drop as Mancini`s men stood strong and defended from the front. Strong passages of play followed as we crisply stroked the ball across the green, green grass.

The chance of a return to the coveted top four spot was increasing, another goal was needed before we could begin to dream again, and it was a substitutional master class from Mancini who saw his second half sub Garrido, curl home a vitally important free kick to the dismay of the Wolves side.

Industrious play followed, text book passes and the guile added to our performances has added a much needed backbone. From Given to Tevez, this performance was doing a great lot in terms of consistency, league position and confidence.

2-0 looked a well earned score line at the Molineux, Wolves have been tried and tested this campaign and have been noted as a difficult side to break down. The first goal was crucial and it protected the team from the front to the back.

Tevez, completed a rout as the final whistle approached to make the score 3-0. Another inspired substitution from Mancini allowed a cameo role for the Brazilian superstar, After good work Robinho placed an acute pass to Tevez, who, without hesitation, arrowed his left foot shot into the opposite bottom corner. A sublime finish from Tevez which helped continue the fantastic scoring run he is currently enjoying.

The physical and mental draining that comes with two games in three days was not hampering another inspirational Manchester City performance. Although, yet to witness a blistering display in front of Mancini, the professional structure as well as team enhancing performances have been evident. Great strides have been met by the under pressure boss and his players.

Holding the lead would be no easy achievement, as we have witnessed earlier in the season. Despite recent throwaway performances the confidence and good will instilled by Mancini has been admirable. The comfortable nature of our defensive shutouts have been watched in great awe from many City fans.

The win allowed us to dream again, the fourth spot is now approaching our talented squad with our recent charismatic displays.

F-T 3-0

Player Ratings

Given-7
Another comfortable display from the ever present. Made several good stops and provides consistency at the back.

Richards-7
After disappointing displays early on, Richards has hit back with recent encouraging displays. The defender is becoming more aware at the back to add to his steel.

Toure- 7
Another strong defensive performance from Toure. Didn’t give the any hope with a solid display.

Kompany- 7
With a long stint expected at the heart of defence for Kompany, performances like this provide us with great confidence. Fantastic on the ball and another strong display.

Zabaleta- 7
Despite being played at a weaker position, PabZab is becoming a permanent fixture in the side with aggressive displays. Also played very well in midfield once moved.

De Jong- 7
Another masterclass display from the defensive midfielder. One of the first names on the team sheet and performances like this make him a stand out candidate for player of the year.

Barry- 7
Again very comfortable and assured in possession. Provides the team with great shape and another strong performance which would impress both Italian managers.

Ireland-6
Unfortunately, Ireland had little influence on proceedings before he was replaced. Injured.

Petrov- 6
Good all round display from Petrov, his accuracy of his delivery is a great asset.

Bellamy- 8
Pace and determination was a huge threat to the home side. Better finishing would have led to two goals. Another player who has been fantastic all round this season and the doubts over his future will vanish with similar performances.

Tevez- 8
Inspirational, the striker is in the form of his life with match winning performances. The goals are now matching his determined display with 8 goals in 7 games. The all round display Tevez provides is phenomenal and the striker is reaping his rewards.

Garrido- 7
Inspiring substitution which brought about a goal. A great free kick finish from Garrido who also didn’t shirk defensive responsibilities.

Robinho- *
*- little time. Created a goal, came close with shot of his own.
* Not enough time

Manager Rating
Mancini- Another impressive tactical display as well as well timed substituions. Added much needed steel to the defence and confidence is growing in our own ability.

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