Mark Hughes makes three changes to the side that last took to the field. Robinho, Elano and Richards all come in to the side as Hamann, Vassell, and Tal Ben-Haim all drop to the bench.
It only took 6 minutes for Everton to pose a threat. Leon Osman almost gave the Everton fans something to shout about when his effort flew wide of Harts Left-hand post. Arteta then shook the post from 20-yards when he took a free-kick. Manchester City looked awful inside the first 10 minutes.
Manchester City had their first chance in the 13th minute; Elano moved the ball forward and fed Benjani after a nice one-two with Robinho. Benjani then found Ireland but his shot was high and not at all handsome. Robinho was involved again as he bought a fine save out of Howard who managed to claw the ball away at full stretch.
Everton then had appeals for a penalty turned down on 30 minutes which angered Moyes who believed Osman was tugged down by Ball. City then got on with the decision quicker as they broke forward. Elano found the ball and stung it straight towards goal but straight into the gloves of Howard, who was unable to hold the ball due to the velocity of power on the shot, but nothing came of it.
Manchester City then managed to hit the bar at the other end. After a short space where nothing happened, Shaun Wright-Phillips made one of this trademark shots that left Howard standing, as he watched his crossbar shake. However it was Everton who ended the half on the front foot. Fellaini could have scored twice, when he was inches away from connecting with a cross from the left, and then his low shot was well kept out by Hart who produced a fine save.
Halftime: Manchester City 0 Everton 0
Benjani replaced Jo at halftime, although its not know whether it was tactical or due to injury. However it seemed to change the game as the second half started without any real chance for either side. Zabaleta`s important interception from Neville`s cross was as exciting as it got in the first 15 minutes.
Wright-Phillips then ran down the wing but he was hustled out of it and City won a corner. The corner came to nothing and I`m sure the crowd were all yawning by now. In fact it took to the 72nd minute before either team really threatened the goal. Jo won the ball from a Hart goal-kick, and from this he fed Ireland who ran on and produced a clever shot, that would have nestled into the corner of the net if Howard did not get across and produce a good save.
Mark Hughes then showed more reason to why I now believe he should leave. Ok Robinho was shocking today but it would have only of taken one piece of skill to change a game. So what does he do? Yes. Vassell comes on for Robinho.
Jo then again manage to take the ball down from the air this time from a corner, and fed Shaun Wright-Phillips who fired wide and high. Pretty much summed up the performance of the whole City side.
Disaster! Everton get the ball down City`s end and Cahill beat Richards to the Ball from a cross, and fired the ball home.
Manchester City are lost, they look nothing like the team in the first half of the season under Sven. I`m sorry but Hughes I don`t want you spending this money.
Final Score: Manchester City 0 Everton 1
Aaron`s Conclusion:
I really don`t know what to say, I`m overly annoyed and angered not only by Hughes but the whole team in general. I really don`t think the system and the personnel at the club are right to take the club forward.
Share this article
