Bolton 2 – 3 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS

A hard fought and thoroughly deserved win, and one that sets down an impressive marker. As stated in the preview, this is the type of game that Premier League champions win, so it was imperative that we returned from the Reebok Stadium with three points. We knew it would be a physical challenge, a tough battle to overcome a competent Bolton side, and the way in which City’s players accepted that challenge was especially pleasing.

In between the tough tackling and aerial onslaught from the home team, City played some delightful football, with David Silva at the heart of our attacking forays. The interplay between Silva, Sergio Aguero and the much improved Edin Dzeko was, at times, a sight to behold and is a sign of what we can expect to watch regularly this season.

James Milner and Gareth Barry, although they won’t attract the same level of attention as the silky Silva, were absolutely magnificent in midfield, their energy proving to be the catalyst for our assured performance. The Reebok Stadium is a tough place to visit, so to come away with three points, and a scoreline which, quite frankly, flatters Bolton, is testament to the work we put in.

Right from the defence, where Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott faced up to the physical nature of the brute that is Kevin Davies, through to our midfield and then to our strikers, the players produced a series of impressive displays, performing as a team. With Aguero clearly not match fit, Carlos Tévez appearing from the bench, Mario Balotelli still yet to feature and Samir Nasri on his way, it is exciting to know that the team will only improve and kick on in future games.

Whereas previous City sides would have shirked the challenge, this team stood up to it. Any side that includes the likes of Kompany, Lescott, Micah Richards and Yaya Touré aren’t exactly going to back down, but I can’t stress enough how this was a team performance, one which many critics have said we are incapable of producing.

Edin Dzeko has arguably been the star of the season so far and continued his great form with another superb display. His third goal in three games is a sign of just how big a role confidence plays for strikers. Whereas last season he looked gangly and lacking in self-belief, he’s a different player this campaign. He’s using his pace and strength to good effect and looks a far improved player with Aguero alongside him.

Opposition View: Bolton are a capable team and will prove to be a hard side to defeat this season. Despite scoring twice against us, I feel they will struggle to put the ball in the net with regularity. Kevin Davies gets away with murder most of the time, but is a cunning forward, whilst Martin Petrov will offer quality down the left. I’m Kompany and Lescott are happy we don’t place a side of Bolton’s nature every week!

So overall, it was a thoroughly deserved win. We stood up to the physical challenge brilliantly and managed to produce some delightful attacking play. We now move on to a tough looking fixture away at Spurs with confidence high. That promises to be a cracker.

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