MALAYSIA SELECT XI 1 MANCHESTER CITY 3
Scorers: Aguero 17, Tevez 48, Johnson 52, Akil 87
City flexed their muscles in the +35c temperature and 85% humidity of the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, roundly thumping the hosts, resplendent in our stylish new maroon away kit…
The Blues enjoyed generally 64% of the possession in a work out that will stand the squad in good stead in the coming weeks. Malaysia were at times niggly and their ‘keeper something of a mardarse. Yet they are tricky opponents too that needed careful marshalling in central midfield and at the back. The officials were overly fussy and somehow missed one glaringly stonewall penalty when Kolarov was up-ended.
Up front, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez repeatedly combined to terrorise the Malaysian defence. Following constant, steadily constructed attacks, a moment of individual brilliance from Kun separated the two sides at the interval. The brutal fact is that with the absent Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko as Roberto Mancini’s other options, it’s difficult to see quite where Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie would fit in to City’s swashbuckling forward line unless somebody leaves. Admittedly, Tevez in particular carries a barge load of baggage but his first ever full on pre-season with a City squad has seen him in great shape. His City rehabilitation on this highly successful tour has also seen the continuation of his community visits.
Mancio today gave us another look at the club’s Academy stars, bringing on Boyata, Lopes, Scapuzzi, Evans and Mancini to join Suarez and Razak once satisfied the senior players had done their jobs.
The shrewd Italian has hinted that these lads are now playing for places around his 25 man Premier League squad and will come under closer scrutiny in the coming fortnight.
So a highly successful Far East tour comes to a close and City head for the airport as the clock continues to tick down to the start of the club’s first title defence in 44 years.
Starting Teams:
Malaysia: Marlias, Subramaniam, Umar, Abdul Radzak, Azmi, Safiq Rahim, Robbat, Kunanlan, Bakhtiar, Safee Sali, Talaha.
Subs: Razali, Jasuli, Tajuddin, Rohidan, Akil, Zambri, Shakir Shaari, Yong, Abu Samah, Mohd Ali, Muhammad, Ahmad, Rahman, Ashaari Shamsuddin, Fadhli Shas, Che Mat.
City: Pantilimon, Kolarov, Zabaleta, Savic, Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Johnson, Suarez, Razak, Tevez, Aguero.
Subs: Johansen, Boyata, Scapuzzi, Lopes, Evans, Mancini
UPCOMING GAMES:
all times East Manchester
Tue 31 Jul 19h45 Oldham Athletic, Boundary Park, Friendly
Sat 04 Aug 20h30 Wolfsburg, Volkswagen Arena, Friendly (ESPN TV)
Sun 05 Aug 19h00 Limerick, Jackman Park, Friendly
Sun 12 Aug 13h30 Chelsea, Villa Park, Community Shield
Sa 18 Aug 15h00 Southampton, The Etihad PL
Sa 25 Aug 15h00 Liverpool, Anfield PL
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES:
The draw for the 2012/13 Champions League Group Stage will take place in Monaco on Thursday, 30th August. The opening round of games will kick off in the week commencing Monday, 17th September.
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