Manchester City turned on the dominant style that has been expected of them for so long to secure an emphatic, scinitillating win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Edin Dzeko scored four and Sergio Aguero added one more, with new signing Samir Nasri creating three of the five goals Manchester City scored in a wonderful display.
I think it would be harsh on Tottenham to say that they were never in the game. After thirty seconds, Aaron Lennon had fired a shot wide, and before City had forced Spurs' keeper Brad Friedel into a save, Gareth Bale and van der Vaart had both tested City's defensive resolve.
City then started to turn on the style; David Silva extended Friedel twice, before Gareth Barry struck the ball inches wide from the edge of the area. But it wasn't long after, that a neat move between Nasri and Aguero set up the Frenchman with a perfect chance to pick out Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian tapped in his third goal of the season from five yards and put City in front.
Peter Crouch headed wide for Tottenham when it seemed easier to score, but it wasn't long before City added a second; Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri combined on a swift break to give Edin Dzeko a gift of a chance. Dzeko headed back across goal and into the far corner, flat footed Friedel and put City 2-0 up at White Hart Lane before half-time.
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Ten minutes into the second half, Dzeko completed his hat-trick by tapping in from close-range. Yaya Toure got in behind the Spurs' defence and played it across the goal mouth, where Dzeko waited. A first City hat-trick for Dzeko, and a 5th goal of the season.
City then went four in front, when Samir Nasri played a wonderful one-two with Aguero, who muscled past Dawson and fired across goal. 4-0 away from home.
Spurs should have had a goal when Defoe's long shot was pushed over the bar by Hart, and they did when the resulting corner was headed in by an unmarked Kaboul. Manchester City conceding from another set-piece will be food for thought for City managed Roberto Mancini.
But even in the 90th minute, City weren't done; Edin Dzeko got away from Assou-Ekotto, played a one-two with Barry and fired a left foot curler from 25 yards right into the far corner of Friedel's net. An early contender for Finish of the Season in my eyes, to accompany an early contender for Performance of the Season.
Ratings-
Hart 7 - Made some good saves, nothing he could do about the goal really.
Zabaleta 7 - Controlled Bale well when asked to.
Kompany 7 - Not at his best, but wasn't required to be.
Lescott 8 - Very good in the air throughout.
Clichy 6 - Got caught by Lennon running in behind, but did well going forward.
Yaya Toure 7 - Good performance let down by poor defending for Spurs' goal.
Barry 9 - Tackled, passed, orchestrated attacks, excellent.
Nasri 9 - 3 assists on his debut, looks like part of the furniture.
Silva 8 - Not at his best, but still very dangerous.
Aguero 7 - A quiet game by his standards, but took his goal brilliantly
Dzeko 10 - 4 goals in one game. That's a faultless performance for me.
Monday 29 August 2011
Saturday 27 August 2011
Tottenham Hotspur - Manchester City preview.
Tottenham and Manchester City lock horns again at White Hart Lane on Sunday, and if any manager wants revenge against the Blues, it's Harry Redknapp. Manchester City qualified for the Champions League at Spurs' expense last season, so the London boys will be hoping to burst City's early season bubble with a win.
It was just over a year ago that Joe Hart produced one of the performances of last season to deny Tottenham a goal - and the points - on the opening day of the 2010/11 Premier League. Hart produced a handful of spectacular saves to block Defoe, Crouch, Huddlestone and all of Tottenham's cannon fodder in a display that saw him pick up Man of the Match and keep his first of eighteen clean-sheets that he kept that season.
As mentioned before, Manchester City qualified for the Champions League ahead of Tottenham when the two teams last met back in May. Peter Crouch diverted a James Milner cross into the back of his own net to give City the victory on that day - and set City up for a historic week in their history.
I'm expecting a victory for Manchester City on Sunday. Tottenham had an awful start to the season away to Manchester United, and I feel they will suffer the same fate at the hands of the other club from Manchester. However, if Tottenham can stop themselves from imploding like they did on Monday, they may be in with a better chance of getting something out of it.
Manchester City's new signing, Samir Nasri, will make an appearance at some point against his old rivals, I think. Roberto Mancini will definitely want to show off Nasri in front of Spurs' boss, Harry Redknapp, who has criticised the French midfielder's motives for his move to Manchester City.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester City.
Possible line-up. (The bench is in the bottom half of the image).
Last 3 meetings:
Manchester City 1-0 Tottenham
Tottenham 0-0 Manchester City
Manchester City 0-1 Tottenham
It was just over a year ago that Joe Hart produced one of the performances of last season to deny Tottenham a goal - and the points - on the opening day of the 2010/11 Premier League. Hart produced a handful of spectacular saves to block Defoe, Crouch, Huddlestone and all of Tottenham's cannon fodder in a display that saw him pick up Man of the Match and keep his first of eighteen clean-sheets that he kept that season.
 |
| Peter Crouch scoring an own goal to put Manchester City into the Champions League. |
As mentioned before, Manchester City qualified for the Champions League ahead of Tottenham when the two teams last met back in May. Peter Crouch diverted a James Milner cross into the back of his own net to give City the victory on that day - and set City up for a historic week in their history.
I'm expecting a victory for Manchester City on Sunday. Tottenham had an awful start to the season away to Manchester United, and I feel they will suffer the same fate at the hands of the other club from Manchester. However, if Tottenham can stop themselves from imploding like they did on Monday, they may be in with a better chance of getting something out of it.
Manchester City's new signing, Samir Nasri, will make an appearance at some point against his old rivals, I think. Roberto Mancini will definitely want to show off Nasri in front of Spurs' boss, Harry Redknapp, who has criticised the French midfielder's motives for his move to Manchester City.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester City.
Possible line-up. (The bench is in the bottom half of the image).
Last 3 meetings:
Manchester City 1-0 Tottenham
Tottenham 0-0 Manchester City
Manchester City 0-1 Tottenham
Sunday 21 August 2011
Bolton - Manchester City review.
Manchester City kept up their 100% start to the Premier League season with a 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers. Goals from David Silva, Gareth Barry and Edin Dzeko secured the win for the Blues who came away with the points.
Bolton had the first chance of the game, when Chris Eagles' free-kick was palmed out by Joe Hart into a packed penalty area. The resulting clearance lead City away on the counter, but nothing came of the speed of City's attacking play.
City knocked on the Bolton door for the first time, and they soon found themselves within sight of goal. Aleksandar Kolarov sent a low ball across the face of goal and gave James Milner the perfect chance to score. But he was denied excellently by Jussi Jaaskelainen from close range.
City came forward once more on the counter, and Edin Dzeko found a ball across the box for Sergio Aguero to tap into an empty net from ten yards, but the Argentinian leant back too far and fired the ball inches over the crossbar. A horrible miss with no excuses.
From a throw in however, Richards found David Silva on the edge of the area. Silva sent an arcing low shot towards the goal. Jaaskelainen fumbled, the ball ended up in the net and City were 1-0 up. Silva's second goal of the season gave City a deserved lead and everything looked to be going well.
Sergio Aguero then had a goal disallowed for a foul and sent a header inches wide. But things got better just under ten minutes later; James Milner found Gareth Barry in space after a well worked corner, and Barry sent a shot high into the Bolton net from all of 30 yards out to put City further ahead. Again Jaaskelainen could have done slightly better to keep it out.
Two minutes later, Bolton found themselves back in the game. A low ball across the box from former City winger Martin Petrov found Ivan Klasnic in space, and he sent a low drive between the legs of Joe Hart to pull a goal back for Wanderers just before half time. Undeserved perhaps, but Bolton didn't mind.
Immediately after the restart City regained their two goal advantage; Dzeko won a battle with Zat Knight and got into the Bolton penalty area. He hit it first time across the goal under the out-stretched arm of the Bolton 'keeper Jaaskelainen to make it 3-1 and send the City fans wild. That was Dzeko's third goal in as many games in 2011, and it's impressive form that the City fans will be hoping he continues.
Bolton pulled a goal back through Kevin Davies with twenty-five minutes to go, when his header deflected off the floor and post before reaching the goal, but it wasn't enough to start a comeback. City closed out the game well with some timely substitutions and tactical know-how from manager Roberto Mancini and took all three points from the Reebok Stadium to remain top of the Premier League after two games.
The game will be remembered for City's impressive attacking football, but it will also be remembered for some defensive mistakes that may have cost the Blues all three points on another day.
Man of the Match - David Silva (rating: 9)
Bolton had the first chance of the game, when Chris Eagles' free-kick was palmed out by Joe Hart into a packed penalty area. The resulting clearance lead City away on the counter, but nothing came of the speed of City's attacking play.
City knocked on the Bolton door for the first time, and they soon found themselves within sight of goal. Aleksandar Kolarov sent a low ball across the face of goal and gave James Milner the perfect chance to score. But he was denied excellently by Jussi Jaaskelainen from close range.
City came forward once more on the counter, and Edin Dzeko found a ball across the box for Sergio Aguero to tap into an empty net from ten yards, but the Argentinian leant back too far and fired the ball inches over the crossbar. A horrible miss with no excuses.
From a throw in however, Richards found David Silva on the edge of the area. Silva sent an arcing low shot towards the goal. Jaaskelainen fumbled, the ball ended up in the net and City were 1-0 up. Silva's second goal of the season gave City a deserved lead and everything looked to be going well.
Sergio Aguero then had a goal disallowed for a foul and sent a header inches wide. But things got better just under ten minutes later; James Milner found Gareth Barry in space after a well worked corner, and Barry sent a shot high into the Bolton net from all of 30 yards out to put City further ahead. Again Jaaskelainen could have done slightly better to keep it out.
Two minutes later, Bolton found themselves back in the game. A low ball across the box from former City winger Martin Petrov found Ivan Klasnic in space, and he sent a low drive between the legs of Joe Hart to pull a goal back for Wanderers just before half time. Undeserved perhaps, but Bolton didn't mind.
Immediately after the restart City regained their two goal advantage; Dzeko won a battle with Zat Knight and got into the Bolton penalty area. He hit it first time across the goal under the out-stretched arm of the Bolton 'keeper Jaaskelainen to make it 3-1 and send the City fans wild. That was Dzeko's third goal in as many games in 2011, and it's impressive form that the City fans will be hoping he continues.
Bolton pulled a goal back through Kevin Davies with twenty-five minutes to go, when his header deflected off the floor and post before reaching the goal, but it wasn't enough to start a comeback. City closed out the game well with some timely substitutions and tactical know-how from manager Roberto Mancini and took all three points from the Reebok Stadium to remain top of the Premier League after two games.
The game will be remembered for City's impressive attacking football, but it will also be remembered for some defensive mistakes that may have cost the Blues all three points on another day.
Man of the Match - David Silva (rating: 9)
Friday 19 August 2011
Bolton - Manchester City preview.
Manchester City and Bolton both won 4-0 in their opening Premier League fixtures against newly promoted sides. It's worth noting that Bolton and Manchester City are placeed 1st and 2nd in the Premier League respectively, as it may not stay that way for too much longer.
Manchester City will be hoping that their opening day performance against Swansea will inspire them to a victory at the Reebok Stadium. City will also be hoping to mirror their achievement against Bolton at the Reebok on the final day of last season, when Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko secured the three points for the Blues. In securing the three points, City cemented a third place finish and a pass in to the Champions League group stages.
Such things can't be achieved this time, but another win to build on a good start is what Roberto Mancini is hoping for - and his players won't want to disappoint. I think Manchester City will win this game. I'm not expecting a City performance similar to the one against Swansea, but Bolton are a team that Manchester City are perfectly capable of beating.
The biggest problem that faces Roberto Mancini ahead of this fixture is who to select up front. Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli are all fit for this fixture, and they will all hope their performances on the pitch and in training have influenced Mancini's thoughts ahead of the team selection.
Nigel de Jong may be missing due to an injury sustained in the victory over Swansea last week.
Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Milner, Barry, Yaya Toure; Silva, Dzeko, Johnson.
Taylor; Zabaleta, Savic, Kolarov, Razak; Aguero, Balotelli.
Manchester City will be hoping that their opening day performance against Swansea will inspire them to a victory at the Reebok Stadium. City will also be hoping to mirror their achievement against Bolton at the Reebok on the final day of last season, when Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko secured the three points for the Blues. In securing the three points, City cemented a third place finish and a pass in to the Champions League group stages.
Such things can't be achieved this time, but another win to build on a good start is what Roberto Mancini is hoping for - and his players won't want to disappoint. I think Manchester City will win this game. I'm not expecting a City performance similar to the one against Swansea, but Bolton are a team that Manchester City are perfectly capable of beating.
The biggest problem that faces Roberto Mancini ahead of this fixture is who to select up front. Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli are all fit for this fixture, and they will all hope their performances on the pitch and in training have influenced Mancini's thoughts ahead of the team selection.
Nigel de Jong may be missing due to an injury sustained in the victory over Swansea last week.
Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Milner, Barry, Yaya Toure; Silva, Dzeko, Johnson.
Taylor; Zabaleta, Savic, Kolarov, Razak; Aguero, Balotelli.
Monday 15 August 2011
Manchester City 4-0 Swansea review.
Manchester City began their Premier League campaign with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Premier League newcomers Swansea City. A harsh lesson for Swansea, or a statement of intent from Manchester City?
Edin Dzeko opened the scoring on 57 minutes, before £38m man Sergio Aguero stole the show with two goals either side of David Silva's composed volley to complete a 4-0 victory over the sorry Swans.
City had the better of the first half. David Silva and Gareth Barry were both denied by the crossbar, and Swansea 'keeper Michael Vorm was in top form, saving from Edin Dzeko and almost all of Manchester City's attacking line-up.
But on 57 minutes Swansea's resistance was finally broken. Adam Johnson drove a shot high to Vorm's right. Vorm got a strong hand to it, but could only palm the ball directly into the path of Edin Dzeko, who tapped in from six yards.
Immediately after the goal, Nigel de Jong was replaced by Sergio Aguero. And ten minutes later, the new boy made an impact. Micah Richards was played through by Adam Johnson, and he sent a searching ball across the six-yard area. Sergio Aguero was on hand to tap in his first ever City goal from almost the same place that Dzeko has scored from just ten minutes before.
Two minutes after the goal, Aguero then turned provider for David Silva. A flick over Vorm left the Swansea 'keeper in no-man's land. Aguero pulled it back for Silva, who volleyed in just under the bar from ten yards.
And then, three minutes before the end Aguero sent a show-stopping strike from 25 yards sailing into the bottom right hand corner of Swansea's goal. Game over. 4-0.
David Silva was named Man of the Match, but the night will be remembered for one man - Sergio Aguero. A terrific cameo, and a wonderful preview into the footballing skills of City's new Argentine. Carlos who?
Edin Dzeko opened the scoring on 57 minutes, before £38m man Sergio Aguero stole the show with two goals either side of David Silva's composed volley to complete a 4-0 victory over the sorry Swans.
City had the better of the first half. David Silva and Gareth Barry were both denied by the crossbar, and Swansea 'keeper Michael Vorm was in top form, saving from Edin Dzeko and almost all of Manchester City's attacking line-up.
But on 57 minutes Swansea's resistance was finally broken. Adam Johnson drove a shot high to Vorm's right. Vorm got a strong hand to it, but could only palm the ball directly into the path of Edin Dzeko, who tapped in from six yards.
Immediately after the goal, Nigel de Jong was replaced by Sergio Aguero. And ten minutes later, the new boy made an impact. Micah Richards was played through by Adam Johnson, and he sent a searching ball across the six-yard area. Sergio Aguero was on hand to tap in his first ever City goal from almost the same place that Dzeko has scored from just ten minutes before.
Two minutes after the goal, Aguero then turned provider for David Silva. A flick over Vorm left the Swansea 'keeper in no-man's land. Aguero pulled it back for Silva, who volleyed in just under the bar from ten yards.
And then, three minutes before the end Aguero sent a show-stopping strike from 25 yards sailing into the bottom right hand corner of Swansea's goal. Game over. 4-0.
David Silva was named Man of the Match, but the night will be remembered for one man - Sergio Aguero. A terrific cameo, and a wonderful preview into the footballing skills of City's new Argentine. Carlos who?
Saturday 13 August 2011
Manchester City - Swansea preview.
And so, the Premier League returns to Manchester City. The 2010/11 season saw Manchester City finish in 3rd place, above Arsenal - who play the best football on the planet - and in doing so, secured their place in the Champions' League for the 2011/12 season.Manchester City haven't been at home on the first day of the Premier League season since 2005. Robbie Fowler secured a 1-1 draw for City against Fulham on that day. Edwin van der Sar was still a year away from his move to Manchester United and Stuart Pearce was being tipped to take over the England job.
After last week's disappointing defeat in the Community Shield, City will be hoping to bounce back quickly, and a home tie against a newly promoted team would seem like the ideal fixture. But Swansea have been tipped by some football fans to not only stay up, but challenge for European places too.
City's injury table has been deserted since Shay Given and Jerome Boateng found new clubs, but Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero are doubts ahead of Monday's fixture. Aguero finds himself unable to shake blisters from his feet, and Tevez simply isn't match-fit due to having extended leave up until August 8th.
I feel City will win. I'm not expecting a 5-0 or 6-0, but something comprehensive (like a 2-0 or 3-0) would not be too far from the ideal result for me. It would be nice to see Edin Dzeko get his name on the score sheet, and I hope Balotelli has the performance of his life to silence the doubters in the press - who I'm sure will be looming around his head for another season, awaiting his first red card like a child on Christmas Day.
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Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Barry, de Jong, Yaya Toure; Silva, Dzeko, Balotelli.Taylor; Zabaleta, Savic, Kolarov; Milner, A.Johnson; Aguero.
Manchester City 2-0 Swansea.
Saturday 6 August 2011
Manchester City vs. Manchester United - Community Shield preview.
Manchester City vs. Manchester United.
For the third time in four months, both Manchester City and Manchester United will descend on Wembley Stadium in London in a fierce battle for the Community Shield.
Back in April, Yaya Toure slotted past former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar to win the FA Cup semi-final for Manchester City and send them on to FA Cup glory with another goal in the final against Stoke in a 1-0 win.
Over the summer, Manchester City have acquired the services of Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, Montenegrin defender Stefan Savic, and French left-back Gael Clichy. All three are international players for their countries, and have cost Manchester City a total of £51m.
Sergio Aguero is expected to start from the bench, having recenty returned from a disastrous Copa America campaign with Agrentina. Gael Clichy was missing from the line-up in the 3-0 Irish Cup final victory against Inter Milan, but he may slot into the line-up for Sunday's game. Stefan Savic may also start on the bench, with City captain Vincent Kompany and his centre-back partner Joleon Lescott out to prove that their incredible partnership from last season isn't about to let up.
I expect Manchester City to start with a similar line-up to the one Mancini fielded against Inter Milan.
Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; de Jong, Yaya Toure, Barry; Silva, Dzeko, Balotelli.
Taylor; Zabaleta, Kolarov; Milner, Johnson, Wright-Phillips; Aguero.
Final prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Manchester United.
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