City:
Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Ball, Kompany, Fernandes (Hamann 60), Elano, Wright-Phillips (Vassell 24), Sturridge, Caicedo (Jo 70).
Unused subs: Schmeichel (GK), Garrido, Berti, Clayton.
Forest:
Smith, Chambers, Morgan, Breckin, Anderson, Perch (Wilson 18), McGugan, Thornhill, Cohen, Earnshaw (Garner 73), Tyson (Davies 81).
Unused subs: Richardson (GK), Byrne, Heath, Reid.
Manchester City`s greeted the day with the signing of Wayne Bridge, but ended the day with embarrassment as they where sent crashing out of the Cup by Nottingham Forest.
The game started after the unveiling of City`s new Left-back, but the cheers where almost silenced at the second minute mark. Nathan Tyson crossed the ball from the right, and Lewis McGugan met the ball with his head but he somehow managed to head the ball wide.
City then managed their best chance in the half when Sturridge forced a save from Smith as his header looked set to send the home fans into raptures.
The game then dealt a blow to both teams. James Perch was brought off and replaced by Kelvin Wilson and the “indestructible” Shaun Wright-Phillips headed straight down the tunnel with a possible thigh injury. He was replaced by Vassell.
Sturridge then forced Smith into another save on the 37th minute as his sharp shot caught the keeper unaware but flew smartly down to his left, and concede the corner. However the next 10 minutes would send the away section into complete eruption. Firstly Nathan Tyson struck a 20-yard volley past Hart, after Richards had failed to clear and then on the 42nd minute, little Rob Earnshaw diverted Matt Thornhill`s shot into the goal.
City did however manage to re-cooperate some what at the beginning of the second-half. Kompany`s run gave Caicedo a sight at goal but his powerful strike was well turned over by Smith. Caicedo then had another effort from his left foot saved by Smith as City where beginning to look like they where running out of ideas.
Hughes then made a couple of changes as the headless chicken Fernandes was taken off and shortly later, Caicedo who impressed again was replaced by Jo. Richard Dunne then took on the forest side when he managed to go past several tackles before Elano`s cross was put behind.
City`s game was dead and buried though on the 75th minute. Hamann`s poor throw-in went straight past the cit defence and Joe garner with his first touch steadied himself and then released his shot which fired past Hart.
Manchester City looked like a broken team, and when the final whistle went I bet Bridge was thinking, what have I done?
Aaron`s Conclusion:
Ok, this isn`t the worst possible result. Were out and were outplayed but we can fully focus on the league and Europe. If Hughes can continue to bring in quality like Bridge then the results will come in time. Forget today and live for tomorrow. I wonder whose next through the door`s of Eastlands.
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