Dzeko secures Champions League football for third successive year
By Aaron Leggott
Edin Dzeko's 13th league goal of the season ensured Manchester City were to reach the Champions League for a third successive season following a hard fought win at home to West Brom.
Dzeko, who has been slated for his recent performances, silenced his critics with a fine effort in the 35th minute.
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| Edin Dzeko fires in City's only goal against West Brom Official MCFC Facebook |
The opener was against the run of play after the Baggies started well and should have been ahead early on. Romelu Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, was causing problems to a makeshift Manchester City defence which saw Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott make rare appearances.
The Belgian had three chances within the first quarter but he was unable to test Hart sufficiently on all occasions, with City taking advantage of West Brom's sluggish finishing later on.
The home side have been ruthless this season - and when you travel to the Etihad you need to be on top form in all areas of the pitch, something which West Brom were guilty of not doing.
Carlos Tevez was unlucky to hit the bar as City started to find a way into the game, and their pressure finally told when a lofted cross from Tevez found Dzeko on the far post who volleyed the ball past Boaz Myhill.
The Blues were unfortunate not to make it two shortly after James Milner rattled the ball off the post from long range, before Jack Rodwell's effort was cleared off the line.
West Brom starting the second half in a similar fashion to the first period, and were unlucky not to level the score after Markus Rosenberg's free kick hit the bar from 25 yards out.
More chances followed through strikes from James Morrison and Shane Long, but Steve Clarke's side were unable to snatch a point at the Etihad Stadium as they remain in eighth with two to play.
Below are higlights from the 1-0 win:
Stats
City West Brom
50% Possession 50%
21 (9) Shots (on target) 20 (11)
6 Corners 8
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