MAN CITY 1 – 0 Bolton – MY THOUGHTS
6 Dec
It seems an odd thing to say, but this result went slightly under the radar. In recent weeks, there has been mass hysteria following any Man City loss or victory, yet, for better or for worse, I get the feeling that our so-called ‘crisis’ has been forgotten about and that we have returned to the normality of apathy. Truth be told, it was an impressive 1-0 win to overcome a resurgent Bolton side, delivered with large doses of profligacy and only a small measure of worry.
As is the norm, Carlos Tévez scored the goal which gave us the three points, continuing the rather pleasing, yet at the same time ever so slightly disconcerting, fact that City have been victorious in every game in which the Argentine has scored. It does highlight his indubitable brilliance, but at the same time, serves as a constant reminder of our reliance on the inspirational captain. As a result of Chelsea’s draw and Man United’s abandoned fare with Blackpool, the Blues lie just three points off the top spot and are improving with every passing week.
Tévez provided the goal that secured the win, but by no means was he the standout performer. That accolade must be handed to our diminutive Spaniard, David Silva. He is, quite simply, a magician with the ball at his feet and a master at creating space for his teammates with his intelligent running off the ball. With him in possession, we look a controlled side, a side capable of dominating matches. He was outstanding on Saturday, the hub of all our attacking endeavours.
In his efforts, he was ably supported by Vincent Kompany, who managed to negate the considerable threat of Kevin Davies, and Gareth Barry, who continues to confound his critics by turning in mature and hugely underrated displays. The Blues started brightly at a high tempo and it didn’t take long before the shackles were broken. Yaya Touré, more influential than in previous matches, delivered the through ball for Tévez, who managed to guide the ball home despite it getting stuck under his feet.
We should have scored more, as Zabaleta wasted a great opportunity after a forward foray. As the game progressed, both Silva and Mario Balotelli struck the woodwork, whilst Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal came to their rescue with a string of impressive saves. At the other end, Joe Hart was never at the races, spilling a couple of straightforward catches, one of which needed a last-ditch clearance from Kompany to avert the danger. Bolton’s threat increased following the correct sending off of Aleksandar Kolarov for two bookable offences. Although the Serbian did indeed get the ball in his second challenge, the manner of the tackle was reckless, leading as he did with two feet, thus deserving his dismissal.
But those rare moments of panic aside, it was a relatively comfortable victory for City, one that continues our decent run of form. Unbeaten in six Premier League fixtures, we have a great chance of establishing ourselves in the upper echelons of the division. And with the media attention diverted elsewhere, we must take advantage and keep the pressure on the sides above us.
Steven, I must comment this review actually. Without much knowledge you’ve managed to sting a very good article together which is both informative and very precise. I do think you need to dwell slightly more on the Kolarov sending off though which was a pivotol moment and one which should be re-assessed by people who write these blogs. I also think more should be said about the referee, but this time I shall let you off because obviously you were not there in person.
As for Silva, he demonstrated his undoubted talent once again and he is rapidly turning into the best summer signing. I do like how you keep mentioning reliance on Tevez, I think that point needs to be adressed, but I dont know if you saw his reaction when he got taken off….that shows frailty and something bad behind the scenes. This does not bode well, but we need to carry through with this form now BUT we must take our chances. had we done, this could have been 6-0 or even more.
Enjoyable read as ever, well done
*in the first sentence I meant to say commend, not comment!*
“Crisis” over…
Mario will be banging them in soon and the fact that Bobby is finally get the first 11 he wants on the pitch at the same time, watch us roar.
Very good review. We should have stuffed them, but still I will take 1-0′s with displays like that week in week out, entertaining without the goals but still the points in the bag. Wouldn’t worry too much about Tevez or Balotelli, the papers are jumping on everything to do with City now as there is not much going on (other then Chelsea losing there form) anywhere else. Being a Shay Given fan I would say that you can count on one hand the bad performances he has put in over his career. I know the Shay V Joe debate is finished so lets hope that Saturday was just a blip for Joe, keepers thrive on confidence 1 or 2 more shows like that and his could start to drain.
On a side note, have you all turned in to the official website, for the first part of Carlito’s video interview. He hates the fans, the club, the manager and wants to retire as soon as he can, all the papers have been spot on unfortunately!
Yes I have tuned in and you happen to completely wrong! Perhaps the subtitles didnt come on for you, and maybe you tried to decifer the Spanish for yourself. Grow up.
John Guidetti, I think Heavy Riffs was being sarcastic…
@JOHN GUIDETTI IS MY HERO!!
Calm down son, in Manchester we call it sarcasm…
I didnt get it to start off with, but now I do, and I apologise!
@JOHN GUIDETTI IS MY HERO!!
You really need to get over yourself pal. Firstly, who asked you to critique the poor lad’s excellent review? Are you chief editor for all City content on the Net? In your own mind maybe. Secondly, why the hell are you jumping down HeavyRiffs throat for an obvious joke, albeit a sarcastic one. He’s a fellow blue. Seriously, start your own blog if you’re so hot at writing and feel you have more “knowledge” than everyone around you. Arrogant twat.
Moonbeam’s Blue Quim.
Thanks for that comment. I actually know ‘John Guidetti is my hero’ and he’s only trying to help, but I think he has misjudged Heavy Riffs’s comment. He was wrong in this situation, but please don’t jump on his back.
Gracias Esteban
weres the player ratings for this game view from a blue?
Unfortunately, I didn’t see the game so feel it would be inappropriate to write a player ratings article. Other blogs can cheat their readers, but I don’t like to.
My word…I need to get over myself! Have you read your comment! I never critiqued it, I praised it if you read my comment! I know the author of this blog very well actually! Just because I didnt get someones joke doesnt mean you can jump on my back? When did I say I knew more about it than eveyrone else?! If you can find where I said that then I shall accept it, but for the time being, you’re the one maing the rash comments!
view from a blue, the picture you present is very rosy, apparently the bbc is not so convinced
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A78011002
I thought City played well and deserved to win by at least three goals, but I was more than happy that we managed to win by just one. All the players were at the top of their game, apart from Joe maybe, and we are really begining to look a top team. But the referee, Andre whatshisface, what an absolute joke that man is, and if he’s an Elite referee then I’m a monkeys uncle. He tried his best to give any fifty-fifty calls to Bolton and pretty much wanted to leave the ground with us having lost points. But he failed. All in all I’m really happy that we look like we can push on from here and really be in the mix come the new year. Just thought I’d stay away from the ‘Citytvgate’ period in the comments section earlier. But I think it’s best if ‘John Guidetti is my Hero’ isn’t told Carlos also said Mancini is a ponce and David Platt is a gerbil faced toerag.
Hahahahahaha!
Good one!
@CitySince77
You’re misquoted Carlito there mate, he only said Mancini had ponce like qualities, rather than he was an out and out ponce. Although he did say the Platt thing, rightly so too…