MAN CITY 2 – 0 Stoke: Perfect Start For Mancini
A thoroughly professional performance from Man City this afternoon earned three points for the Blues in Roberto Mancini’s first game in charge of the club. Without ever producing the free-flowing football which they are more than capable of, City, led by the irrepressible Gareth Barry, comfortably secured a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals by the recalled Martin Petrov and a tenth strike of the season from Carlos Tévez, although the Blues were indebted to goalkeeper Shay Given as they recorded their first clean sheet in the Premier League since early November.
Time constraints prohibit me from detailing the extent of my thoughts, but suffice to say that Mancini’s reign has started in an uplifting manner, with City’s defence withstanding Stoke aerial bombardment with relative ease. Given was a tower in strength in net, saving on repeated occasions from the likes of Tuncay and James Beattie, whilst Vincent Kompany put in a superb performance at the heart of the defence alongside the improved Kolo Touré. Mancini opted to play an attacking foursome of Robinho, Stevie Ireland, Tévez and Petrov, and their movement confused a physical Stoke backline.
Barry, along with Nigel de Jong, was fantastic, balancing his defensive duties perfectly with supporting our attack. Without a target man upfront, courtesy of injuries to both Emmanuel Adebayor, who now departs to the African Cup of Nations, and Roque Santa Cruz, Tévez led the line on his own as a striker, and contributed an acrobatic goal to his non-stop performance. The only disappointment for me was the display of Robinho, whose lethargic approach and underwhelming performance frustrated the City faithful. Thank heavens for Craig Bellamy, who, rested for this game, will be fit enough to start against Wolves.
New manager Roberto Mancini accepts the applause of the City fans before the match
So, that’s all I have time for, but if you would, please read this superb report of today’s game by accomplished Stoke blogger, Alec Vještica, whose indubitable blogging ability has earned him many worldwide plaudits.
Short and sweet! A festive reassurance that you are continually dedicated to your blog, despite other commitments – for this i applaud you, on behalf of your many dedicated fans.
Nice to get off to a winning start under Mancini, long may it continue!
‘Thank heavens for Craig Bellamy’ – how many times will we be saying that this season? I think a lot.
To mis-quote Tony Blair, “Dedication, dedication, dedication”.
I watched the 1st half on Sky this evening and, despite the win, i found myself slightly disappointed.
Manchini’s selection – Why did he drop Bellamy for Robbie? Why did he start Ireland on the right instead of in the middle? At least, on the first, that won’t happen again. The reception that Bellamy got just for warming up was tremendous and when he came on, well…
As for Robinho, I’m honestly not sure what we can do with him. £32.5 million (plus wages and fees etc) down the toilet. Watching his body language when he was walking around gives me the impression that he no longer wants to play for the club. In fact, i’m at teh point where i wouldn’t mind if he leaves in January (which, incidentally, i think he will).
It concerns me that we seem to be carried by Tevez and Bellamy and (in part) by Barry, but not many others.
However, a win is a win, 3 points is 3 points.
Have a good time in Warwick. Keep the good work up.
Cheers Ricky. I don’t think it was a case of Bellamy being dropped. With his knee, he can’t play two games in three days, and he will certainly start at Wolves. Mancini saw that Ireland was ineffective on the right so moved him to the middle and was instrumental. Agree totally about Robbie!!
Not happy Steven…not once do you mention the joint man of the match?
Pablo Zabaleta was outstanding, along with GB.
Oh saw this below, you’ll love it!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/irish_football/8431009.stm
Oh, by the way Ricky…do you not think probably our player of the season de Jong has carried us?!
Hi Steven, my prediction for tonight’s game;
Wolves 1 – 3 MCFC
Doyle, Tevez, Bellamy, Ireland
As Steven is busy at the game, I’ll do the honours
Wolves 0 – 3 City
Tevex x2 and Garrido (bet you didn’t see that one coming)
Steven – 4
Dan – 4
Plattsy – 9
Ricky – 4
Matt – 4
Which leaves totals of
Steven – 72
Dan – 60
Plattsy – 57
Ricky – 56
Matt – 50
Steven, 4 points for me..but I was close?! How did everyone else do?
I watched it at the pub…thought Tevez was outstanding and Garrido was very secure when he came on. Now hopefully he can have an extended run in the side and give his all for Mancini.
Thought Bellamy was poor actually…great pass for the first goal, but lucky as it took a huge deflection…but he missed two sitters??
My ratings;
Given – 6 – Shaky when called upon but didnt have a great deal to do…
Richards – 8 – Good solid game
Toure – 6 – Shaky
Kompany – 8 – Good solid game again
Zabaleta – 8.5 Outstanding
Petrov – 6.5 – Went missing but a few great balls over the top
Ireland – 6 – Never got into the game
Barry – 7.5 – Broke down attacks with ease, unlucky to have fouls awarded against him
de Jong – 6.5 – Quiet and gave the ball away a few times…
Bellamy – 7 – Okay…disappointed after what we have grown to expect
Tevez – 9 – Superb
Sylvinho – 4 – Fouled as soon as he came on
Very impressed and im happy for himm 
Garrido – 8.5 – When you see the replay of the freekcik, you will see how stunning it actually is…the way it bends is incredible and he has learly thought about it. Safe and secure at the back too
IM STILL IN THE RACE RICKY! DONT COUNT ME OUT OF IT JUST YET!
p.s I SWEAR I AM ON MORE THAN 50!??!?
nope, sorry
Just seen your request for me to comment (I’m in Slovenia). Why was that?
VJ, will explain when we reconvene in the new year.
Matt, did you get both my texts? Not sure you did?!?!?
Hope you and all city fans enjoy a good new year.