MAN CITY 2 – 1 West Ham – MY THOUGHTS

A hugely impressive first 45 minutes, some scintillating flashes of technically intricate football, a lackadaisical approach to the second half and a spell of opposition pressure towards the end. This was, in many ways, a re-run of last week’s disappointing defeat at the hands of Spurs but fortunately for the Blues, West Ham lacked the quality going forward to capitalise on our profligacy.

For patches in the opening half, it seemed as if City had been liberated by the mathematical ending of title hopes and were intent on reminding us all of their brilliance going forward. The first goal came about after delectable play from our attacking stars, sublime pieces of passing and movement culminating a swept Sergio Aguero finish, but while more chances were created, they were wasted thanks to the absence of a clinical touch. Heard that one before?

After the break, the Blues seemed to coast, lacking the urgency or purpose of the first half and West Ham gradually grew into the game. It very much had the feel of an end of season affair, neither side really exerting themselves but although the visitors lacked the guile or variety to cause more than the occasional problem, they did notch a consolation due to a combination of a back spasm and Joe Hart. It gave the scoreline a more even look than it deserved.

In terms of standout performances, there were a couple for City but it was a solid, efficient and occasionally electric team display. Joleon Lescott was drafted in to the side to combat the physical threat of Andy Carroll and he did his job very well. Powerful in the air and more than a match on the ground, the defender reminded us once again of what a superb squad player he is. It seems odd to think that he has featured in more Premier League matches than Matija Nastasic this season (21 for the Englishman in comparison to 20 for the summer signing), such has been the impact made by the youngster, but I’m sure all Blues could understand, if not be happy with, Lescott wanting to leave.

He has natural aspirations to play for England in the World Cup and for that he ideally needs to cement his place in the side. That won’t happen at City – through no fault of Lescott, merely the composure and rare consistency of Nastasic – and so the former Everton man is likely to give serious thought to moving. His departure would be a heavy blow for City as, although not a regular, he’s a vitally important member of the squad, a leader in the dressing room, a good influence around others and a reliable presence on the pitch.

One other player from yesterday to impress was Samir Nasri, his drive and desire to be involved a rare sight this season. He has been justifiably criticised throughout the campaign for his limp and passive performances, content as he has been to shirk responsibility and pass on the creative burden to others. Yesterday, however, was just the opposite.

With his willingness to run at defenders, take them on in dangerous areas and do all that at pace, he outshone our other forward-thinking stars. All too often, the complaints about Nasri have been directed towards his lethargy on the ball and his frustrating tendency to slow down attacks, but his performance on Saturday was terrific, full of verve and intent. He played his part in Aguero’s goal with his trickery, touch and vision and was instrumental throughout. It’s a pity we’re only seeing this sort of focus from him at this stage of the campaign, but if he is to remain at City next season, he’ll hopefully produce displays like yesterday’s on a more frequent basis. Incontestably, he has the talent.

Opposition View: West Ham were woefully limited in the first half and although they improved after the break, their method of attacking consisted purely of getting the ball out wide to Matt Jarvis and then firing crosses towards the ungainly Andy Carroll. Before the break, they struggled desperately to contain City’s fluidity in the final third and relied on a number of last-ditch blocks to keep the scoreline respectable. They did grow into the game, however, and Jarvis posed a few problems with his dribbling skills, pace and, crucially, ability to both go down the line and also cut back onto his right foot. They’ve had an excellent first season back in the Premier League but the feeling persists that they’ll have to add some quality in attacking areas in the summer if they are to make an impression next year.

As for the Blues, next up is a visit to Swansea at the weekend, followed by a home encounter with West Brom before the eagerly-awaited FA Cup final. Momentum will be key before the date at Wembley, so if the Blues can reproduce the enthralling glimpses of football from this game and can cut out the lapses in concentration, they will be in good stead.

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