MAN CITY 2 – 0 Bolton – MY THOUGHTS
4 Mar
Fortress Etihad remains just that. This was another thoroughly convincing performance, brushing aside a limited Bolton side with relative ease. A brace of goals secured the three points, although if we had not been so careless in front of goal, the margin could have been far greater. It was a comfortable victory, one sealed without ever needing to reach top gear and the result maintains our perfect record at home this season.
Deflatingly, Manchester United, over whom we had opened up a five-point gap, managed to somehow attain three points from their fixture today against Spurs, so have restored the deficit to just a couple of points. Their uncanny ability to be victorious despite performing well below their best serves only to highlight how they will push us every step of the way this season and we must retain our focus and self-belief if we are to lift the Premier League title.
It is difficult to select individuals from such an effective team performance, but I was hugely impressed with Yaya Toure’s imposing display. Since he departed for the African Cup of Nations, he has lost half a stone and looks all the more energetic and consistent for 90 minutes. His physical attributes are clear to see, but the way in which he is now able to produce his terrifying surges throughout the game without looking exhausted is especially pleasing. His return has added an extra sense of security to the side and his presence fills the other players with confidence.
As always, much of the focus from the match was on a certain Italian striker. His performance was noticeably mixed, constantly finding himself in excellent positions but, oddly, it was his finishing which let him down. Normally so clinical, he was profligate in the extreme and grew visibly more frustrated as the game wore on. Balotelli’s movement was first class, always searching for space and he finally got his name on the scoresheet in the second half. His goals to games ratio is superb and it must be hoped that this was a rare off day in front of goal for our ever-entertaining Mario.
This victory made in six wins from our past six matches and we continue to look hugely impressive in sweeping aside teams who are intent purely on defending. We’ve now recorded three clean sheets in a row and look solid at the back, whilst maintaining a threatening presence further forward.
Opposition View: Bolton set up in a very negative manner and were indebted to their goalkeeper, Adam Bogdan, for preventing a cricket scoreline. The young Hungarian was magnificent all afternoon, thwarting Balotelli, Samir Nasri and Kolo Touré on various occasions and looks like one for the future. Otherwise, the Wanderers offered little, relying at times on the extreme pace of Ryo Miyachi to cause problems, but never really committed enough men in attack to threaten.
As for the Blues, we now turn our attention to the Europa League on Thursday with a trip to Lisbon, before travelling to Wales at the weekend to face Swansea. Both games are most certainly winnable and if we carry our momentum into the two fixtures, few would bet against us.
Balotelli, Yaya Touré, continue recent good form, Bolton
Balotelli played well. We won at at canter but I had Aguero down to score a hat trick, totally ruined by Mancinis (nudder) mysterious team selection. Call me old fashioned but you play your best team. We should have made goals, lots of goals against this pathetic Bolton side. Make no mistake, this title could go down to goal difference and leaving out Silva, Aguero, may cost us in the end.
You never know for sure. Fatigue can affect any player if they are played constantly every 3 days. Not to mention, you are going to get a dressing room issue if players are benched for a long time esp in our team that anyone is of a high caliber. There is a lot more there than meets the eyes. Mancini has been doing a great job.