MAN CITY 3 – 0 Stoke – MY THOUGHTS
18 May
The perfect performance. A sparkling win that moves us into third place and within touching distance of the group stages of the Champions League. With just one game to go, we have the chance to turn this very good season into a great one. And I wouldn’t bet against us.
The confidence we played with yesterday was fantastic. It is a culmination of the past week or so, starting with the nervy victory over Spurs, a win which was crucial in giving the squad belief. That was followed by the unforgettable FA Cup final on Saturday and yesterday’s victory was a continuation of that form.
It was a display which highlighted the importance of Carlos Tévez to our team; his brace of goals, both special in their own way, helping us to victory. Talk over the summer will undoubtedly be dominated by the Argentinean striker – will he go, won’t he? And as well as we have coped without him recently, there’s no doubt he’s a top class player who would be missed if he left.
However, it wasn’t just Tévez who impressed last night. The likes of Joleon Lescott and James Milner were both mightily impressive, the latter in his favoured central midfield position. He was full of energy and drive from midfield, something that Gareth Barry lacks. Barry has been playing far better of late, but is still, for me, too one-dimensional and it was a refreshing change to see Milner in the thick of the action, retaining possession and keeping play ticking over.
It was a nice touch as well from Roberto Mancini to bring on SWP in the second half, allowing the Blues’ supporters one final look at a player surely on his way in the summer. He has spent many wonderful years at the club and his enthusiasm there for all to see, but the reality is that he’s not good enough for where we want to be.
So onwards we go towards the final match of the season away at Bolton. A win there would see us complete a brilliant season by finishing third. We travel to the Reebok with confidence, with momentum and with the belief that we can do it.
It was one of the few City games I watched with no butterflies in my stomach. Confidence was oozing out every where. You are spot on about Milner. He was everywhere. I think it is about time to see more of him beside DeJong and less of Barry.
Tevez free kick was fantabulous! we are one win away from a season that can only be described as Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
I thought someone may ask, I forgot to mention that supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is longest English word that mean super-fabulous
Yes i too was critical of Milner and thought his buy was unnecessary. But then we seen his performance against Leicester in his favoured postion and since then he has been continually been impressive when utilised in the mid. He is ultimately Barry’s long time succesor, and i especially like the way his game is less defensive than his ex villa co-hort.