Wigan 0 – 1 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS
17 Jan
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It was functional not fluent, attritional without ever being attractive, but it was an essential three points. On the balance of play, it was deserved and it takes us clear at the top of the Premier League table as we head into Sunday’s explosive fixture against Spurs. We weren’t at our exciting best yesterday, but we fought throughout and battled our way to a narrow victory: a sign, it is often said, of champions.
Edin Dzeko scored the only goal of a game that won’t be remembered for too long, but it was the type of display that, at this stage of the season, is necessary. Without ever producing the free flowing football that has been the norm this campaign, we were gritty and resilient. Wigan threatened briefly towards the end and Joe Hart made one vital stop, but the victory was deserved and we can head into the Spurs game with confidence restored and momentum on our side.
It wasn’t an enthralling game by any means but we needed to show character and I was delighted to see Edin Dzeko raise his level of performance. At times, he looks awkward and gangly, but when confident, he possesses all the traits of a superb target man. Strong in the air, pacy over 20 yards and with a better touch than many give him credit for, his goal – a magnificent header – gave him belief and he produced an impressive display. If given the chance against Spurs, he, like the rest of the team, will have to raise his game again but this was a more promising showing.
Opposition View: Having struggled to impose themselves in the first half, their intent at the start of the second was impressive and their late rally was a positive as far as Roberto Martinez is concerned. They showed enough promise to avoid relegation, but will need to tighten up dramatically in defence where they looked all over the place. In Victor Moses and Hugo Rodallega, they have two players who possess the quality in the final third, but they need support from their teammates in order to cause more sustained trouble. Should they add some solidity in defence and perhaps another striker, they’re in with a great chance of surviving.
As for the Blues, we now approach the Spurs match on the back of a hard-fought victory whilst they head to the Etihad Stadium having drawn with Wolves. That should provide us with confidence and momentum for what promises to be an exciting, open and enjoyable affair.
One area of our game that needs to be explored more is to put proper crosses in Box to leverage Dezko’s height and ability to score through headers.
ye maybe, i think we look better when we have width..
Agree with the above, even Johnson migth be worthwhile bringing on at HT or playing for a half just because he has one of the best crosses in the team, ideal for Edin
Who would you have taken off to allow AJ to come on at half-time?
Jonners is an enigma. He is played on the right and prefers the cut in rather than the cross on his wrong foot. Occasions when he plays on the left are rarer than a moment of informed punditry on MOTD and even then it is more likely to be Gael or Barry that supply the ammo. I may be about to singe the hem-line of the sacred calf but I suggest that if we’re looking for a bloke to do the wide role and give Edin the bullets AJ ain’t him. Furthermore and on the evidence I am doubtful that he will ever be more than a high impact player with a 30 minute shelf life. I often wonder whether he has the appetite or capability for a more driving central midfield role. He did this quite often for ‘boro and ran their game.