Manchester City strolled into the 5th round of the FA Cup following a five goal drubbing of League One strugglers Notts County.
Johnny Baguette wrote…
‘A slow starting and lethargic City positively thundered into the 5th round once Carlos Tevez was introduced to turn the screw on a flagging County who had again taken the game to The Blues from the first whistle. All credit to Notts County for giving City a few kicks up the backside in this tie.’
‘Early on, City looked ragged and in need of inspiration. It came from an unlikely source when a struggling Patrick Vieira rolled back the years with two trademark headers…City’s midfield was again failing to take a grip on proceedings despite David Silva’s constant urgency and numerous players didn’t appear to be on the same wavelength as the side failed to push up in numbers when required…But all that changed with the unleashing of El Apache in favour of a fuming Mario Balotelli who stormed down the tunnel after his substitution.’
‘Despite some fine touches, the enigmatic Italian striker had lost momentum and discipline…Tevez and Silva immediately sparked to life and stretched a tiring County repeatedly, inspiring Edin Dzeko in the process. Tevez plundered his 50th goal in Sky Blue thanks to a fine through ball from Dzeko and the favour was returned a few minutes later…In the context of the season’s aspirations, this result represents a timely confidence booster during the most crucial fortnight of the season to date. If City can build upon this and beat Aris at Eastlands in Europe in four days time, Roberto Mancini’s team, of whom he is starting to tinker a little less with, will be well set for an exciting three months of football.’
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