By Adam Bailey
My thoughts
A good old mauling is something City haven't seen in a while, and so Saturday's 7-0 slaying of Norwich City unsurprisingly left us fans drooling. The Blues love scoring goals against the Canaries and we locked them firmly in their cage on Saturday afternoon in a magical performance in which David Silva majestically waved his wand.
Last weekend's late loss to Chelsea left a sour taste in the mouth and an authoritative response was required from Manuel's minions who are still hoping to march towards the Premier League crown. Pellegrini went with a sizzlingly strong squad with Costel Pantillimon occupying the space between the sticks. The inclusion of the big Romanian was expected and although I'd love to comment on his performance, he hardly touched the ball!
 |
| Photo: Official MCFC Facebook |
One touch passing, sublime skill and clinical finishing characterised Saturday's enchanting performance and Yaya Touré scored his fourth free-kick of the season to once again prove that he is one of the most versatile midfielders in world football. The Ivorian is a pitiless powerhouse and a player that every single team in Europe would love to have in their ranks.
Whilst Fernandinho dextrously piloted the midfield; Yaya, Silva, Nasri and Agüero fired off like fighter jets on a mission to destroy Norwich's defence. Although Agüero was unlucky not to be awarded the first of the afternoon, his work rate and commitment to City's attacking play was commendable. Bayern Munich are the latest to be linked with the prolific Argentine, but I expect the club to slap away the hand of any club sniffing around the player.
It's another performance to suggest we could run away with the league this season, but our away form has to improve.
Player ratings
PANTILIMON: The big Romanian had little to do in a game in which Norwich City only managed one shot on target. I believe he'll remain in between the sticks for at least another two weeks and his ability will be called upon later in the month
TSBV rating: 6/10
TSBV rating: 7/10
DEMICHELIS: Defensively, he was solid and had little to do. However, his distribution was poor and against better opponents, City could have been punished.
TSBV rating: 6/10
NASTASIC: A stark contrast to last week's clumsy performance. Didn't allow Norwich to get near Pantilimon and scored his first goal for the Blues with a towering header.
TSBV rating: 7/10
CLICHY: The Frenchman has struggled for form this season and he would have welcomed a relaxing game against Norwich. Was given the freedom to aid City's attack.
TSBV rating: 7/10
FERNANDINHO: Allowed Nasri, Toure and Silva to shine in an under-the-radar performance. Kept City's midfield ticking throughout.
TSBV rating: 7/10
YAYA TOURE: Jogged through Norwich's midfield like it wasn't there and netted yet another stunning free kick.
TSBV rating: 8/10
NASRI: Teased the Canaries with his trickery and weaved in and out of defenders with ease. Another top performance from the Frenchman who looks like a new signing this season.
TSBV rating: 8/10
SILVA: Was like Houdini in the way he weaved in and out of Norwich defenders like a wizard. Elegance and grace on the ball was second to none and he capped his performance off with a goal.
TSBV rating: 9/10
NEGREDO: Scored from City's best move of the day and troubled Norwich's defence with his power. Substituted early.
TSBV rating: 7/10
AGUERO: Movement, work rate and overall commitment was exemplary. Unlucky not to bag yet another brace but it wouldn't be a City performance without at least one Aguero goal.
TSBV rating: 8/10
Substitutes
DZEKO: Got on the scoresheet with a smart finish.
TSBV rating: 7/10
NAVAS: One frightening bit of speed nearly earned Navas a place on the scoresheet and he was on hand to assist Dzeko.
TSBV rating: 7/10
MILNER: Came on late and made no notable impact with the game already won.
No rating
Note: All pictures above from MCFC Official Facebook page
You can also follow Adam on Twitter: @Dembe_MCFC
(c) The Sky Blue View 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment